The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified four loyalists of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from contesting in the party’s House of Representatives primaries scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026.
The decision was contained in the final list of aspirants released by the party and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Among those disqualified are two serving members of the House of Representatives; Awaji-Inombek Abiante and Boma Goodhead, both regarded as close allies of Governor Fubara.
Abiante, a prominent Rivers politician, was among those who publicly backed Fubara during the political crisis in the state and reportedly purchased the governor’s nomination form in support of the incumbent.
The other aspirants not cleared by the party are retired Air Commodore John Opera and Anderson Igbiki.
Meanwhile, 21 aspirants were cleared by the APC to participate in the primaries across various federal constituencies in the state.
Among those cleared is the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, who is contesting for the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency seat.
Amaewhule is seeking to replace his kinsman and current Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda.
Confirming the development, Rivers APC Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, said the final list of cleared and disqualified aspirants was approved and released by the national leadership of the party.
In a statement titled “Final List of Aspirants for the House of Representatives Primary Election for Saturday, 16th May, 2026”, Ikenga urged all aspirants to comply with the party’s directives ahead of the exercise.
“You are by this notice informed of the release of the final list of aspirants for the House of Representatives primary election of our great party, the APC, scheduled for 16th May, 2026, as released by the National Leadership of the Party.
“Aspirants are kindly advised to note and comply accordingly.
“This information must be taken seriously in view of the election as scheduled.
“Please find attached the list of aspirants who are cleared and/or not cleared”, the statement read.
