The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified four key allies of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from participating in the party’s House of Representatives primary elections scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026.

The decision was confirmed in the final list of aspirants released by the party’s national leadership and made public by the State Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, on Friday.

High-Profile Disqualifications 

The list of disqualified candidates includes two high-ranking members of the National Assembly:

Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante: A prominent political figure who notably purchased the governorship form for Governor Fubara.

Hon. Boma Goodhead: A vocal supporter of the incumbent governor.

Air Commodore John Opara (Rtd.)

Hon. Anderson Igbiki

Amaewhule Cleared to Contest

In contrast, the party cleared 21 aspirants for the primary race. Among those authorized to contest is the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule.

Amaewhule is seeking the ticket for the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, a move that sets him on a path to potentially succeed his kinsman, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, the current Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

Official Statement

In a statement titled “Final List of Aspirants for the House of Representatives Primary Election for Saturday, 16th May, 2026,” Chibike Ikenga urged all party members to adhere strictly to the list provided by the national headquarters.

“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—as released by the National Leadership of the Party,” the statement read. “Aspirants are kindly advised to note and comply accordingly. This information must be taken seriously in view of the election as scheduled.”

The disqualifications come amid ongoing political friction within the state, signaling a tightening of internal party controls ahead of the primary polls.