There are growing signs that the in Rivers State could lose some of its prominent members ahead of the 2027 general elections following the disqualification of several aspirants seeking party positions at both the state and national levels.
Among those reportedly screened out by the party’s committees are serving members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the National Assembly, a development that has triggered anger and fresh tensions within the party.
One of the affected aspirants, Senator , who represents Rivers West Senatorial District, openly expressed dissatisfaction while addressing supporters in Obuama Town, Degema Local Government Area.
The visibly upset senator, who previously served as deputy governor under current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , appealed to the national leadership of the APC to revisit the matter.
“I am pleading with our great national party, the All Progressives Congress, to look into this matter and do the right thing. I believe they are capable of correcting the records,” she said.
Banigo also urged her supporters to remain calm, hinting that political decisions could soon be taken.
“I don’t want you people to be agitated. But when the time comes, we will do the needful, and God will do what He has to do,” she added.
Another disqualified aspirant for the Rivers State House of Assembly, Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana, suggested that he and other aggrieved members may contest the 2027 elections on another platform.
According to him, consultations are ongoing with grassroots supporters and youth groups across the state.
“Whatever they have done is a huge disservice to the party. People like myself, Hon. Chijioke Ihunwo and Hon. Sokari Goodboy are the energy of this state,” he said.
Yamaabana argued that excluding influential aspirants could weaken the APC’s electoral chances in Rivers State, insisting that their political strength would have helped the party secure victories in future elections.
“If you disqualified me, give me clear reasons. I believed everyone would be cleared for the primaries because I know nobody could defeat me there,” he stated.
He further warned that a major political shake-up may soon unfold in the state.
“Very soon, you will hear the tsunami. We will be on the ballot, and we will win because our people cannot continue to suffer in poverty while we remain silent,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Rivers APC publicity secretary, Ikenga, has appealed to both successful and unsuccessful aspirants to unite and work for the party’s success ahead of the 2027 polls.
He stressed that winning a primary election does not automatically guarantee victory at the general election and urged candidates to carry all party members along.
Ikenga also assured aggrieved members that the party has mechanisms in place to resolve disputes and strengthen internal unity before the elections.
