APC, Disqualifies Hon Abiante Who Led Rivers Stakeholders To Purchase Nomination Forms For Fubara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, a serving member of the House of Representatives who led some Rivers State Elders and  stakeholders to purchase the expression of interest and nomination forms for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is top on the list of aspirants disqualified by the All Progressive Congress APC Screening Committee from further participating in the party primaries.

Abiante, representing Andoni/Okpobo Federal Constituency at the National Assembly had, penultimate week, led other Rivers State APC stakeholders to purchase and present the party’s  gubernatorial nomination forms to Fubara whose estranged political godfather, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has vowed not to allow a second term in office.

Three other loyalists of the Governor, including another serving member of the House of Representatives, Hon Boma Goodhead, were also disqualified from the primaries which the party said will hold on  Saturday May 16, 2026.

A statement from Chibuike Ikenga, the spokesperson for APC Rivers State, however, informed that 21 other aspirants, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martins Amaewhule, were cleared by the Committee to contest.

Amaewhule is angling to take the place of Hon Kingsley Chinda, member representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, who has allegedly been lined up by Wike to challenge Fubara for the state’s topmost job.

Ikenga in the statement stated that the final list of the aspirants was released to the State APC chapter by the national leadership of the party.

The party spokesperson called on all the aspirants to note and comply accordingly.

“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 not cleared”, the statement reads.