NEWS
APC Faces Looming Crisis in Rivers as Disqualified Aspirants Threaten Mass Exit Ahead of 2027
There are growing indications that the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State may be heading into a major internal crisis that could trigger the defection of several prominent members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The unfolding tension within the party may not be unconnected with the recent disqualification of several aspirants contesting for various state and national positions during the party’s screening process.
Among those reportedly disqualified by the screening committees are serving lawmakers in both the Rivers State House of Assembly and the National Assembly, a development that has sparked outrage among affected party stakeholders and their supporters.
The signs of an impending crack within the party became more evident when one of the disqualified aspirants and the senator representing Rivers West Senatorial District, Ipalibo Banigo, openly expressed displeasure over the exercise while addressing supporters at Obuama Town in Degema Local Government Area.
The visibly angry female senator, who previously served as deputy governor under the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, appealed to the party leadership to review the situation and restore fairness.
“By this, I am also pleading with our great national party, the All Progressives Congress to look into this matter and to do the right thing. I am sure they are capable of putting the records right.
“I don’t want you people to be agitated at all. But, when the time comes, we will still do the needful and God will do what he has to do,” she said.
Banigo’s remarks have further fueled speculations that aggrieved members may soon seek alternative political platforms if the party leadership fails to resolve the crisis.
Also reacting strongly to his disqualification, Rivers State House of Assembly aspirant, Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana, declared that he and several other affected politicians were already consulting widely with grassroots supporters and youths across the state, insisting they would still participate in the elections, though possibly outside the APC platform.
“Whatever they are contemplating for doing this, whatever they have done has a huge disservice to that political party. People like myself, people like Hon. Chijioke Ihunwo, people like Hon. Sokari Goodboy, we know we are the energy of this state.
“We are in a political party, trying to come in to make you win election because I being on the ballot has a ripple effect of making Mr. President win, making whoever is the governorship candidate of the party win and you are telling us we are not qualified to be in the party.
“If you disqualified me, give me a clear cut reasons for disqualifying me. My thinking had been that we will all be cleared to go and contest the primaries because I know nobody can beat me at the primaries.
“As I am talking to you, I am in consultation with the grassroots, with the youths. Very soon, you will hear the tsunami.
“We will be on the ballot and we will win this election because we cannot continue to shy away from this thing and leave it for another eight years or four years circle while our people continue to suffer in abject poverty,” he said.
The strong reactions from the disqualified aspirants have raised fears among party faithful that the APC could witness a wave of defections capable of weakening its structure in Rivers State ahead of the fiercely anticipated 2027 elections.
Political observers believe the situation could significantly alter the political equation in the oil-rich state, especially considering the influence and grassroots following of some of the affected politicians.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State publicity secretary of the APC has appealed for calm among party members, urging both winners and losers in the primaries to unite and work towards strengthening the party ahead of the general elections.
According to Ikenga, internal disagreements should not be allowed to destroy the party’s chances in 2027.
“Winning the primary does not guarantee victory in the general election. Candidates must carry everyone along to ensure overall success.”
He further encouraged those who lost in the screening and primary processes to remain loyal to the party, assuring them that mechanisms were already in place to address grievances and foster reconciliation within the APC.