The screening committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified several prominent aspirants from participating in the party’s senatorial primaries in Rivers State, marking a major shake-up in the contest for the Rivers West Senatorial District ticket.
Among those disqualified is the serving senator representing Rivers West, Ipalibo Banigo, alongside former Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, former security official Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, and businessman Tein Jack-Rich.
The committee’s decision effectively removes all four from the race for the Rivers West senatorial ticket, narrowing the contest ahead of the party’s primaries in the state.
However, the panel cleared Allwell Onyesoh, allowing him to proceed in the exercise without restriction.
In a related development, the APC also announced what appears to be consensus or sole-candidate arrangements in some senatorial districts. Former Rivers State PDP chairman, Felix Obuah, was cleared as the sole candidate for Rivers West, while Barry Nwara emerged as sole candidate for Rivers South-East.
Meanwhile, the party has also released winners of its House of Representatives primaries in Rivers State, signalling progress in the lower chamber races.
In Obio/Akpor, Martins Amaewhule secured the party’s ticket, while other declared winners include Linda Stewart for Okrika/Ogu-Bolo, Solomon Bob for Abua-Odual/Ahoada East, and Blessing Chigeru Amadi for Port Harcourt II.
Others who emerged victorious are Victor Obuzor for Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni, Isobo Jack for Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru, Frederick Apiafi for Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro, Cyril Hart for Degema/Bonny, Felix Nwaeke for Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo, Dum Deekor for Khana/Gokana, and Igwe Precious for Port Harcourt I.
The developments highlight intensified political realignments within the APC in Rivers State, as the party moves to finalise its candidates ahead of the next general elections.
