Victor Jumbo, a former factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and current member of the same chamber, appeared before the All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Appeal Committee to challenge his disqualification, alongside 64 other aspirants.
The appeal was heard by a committee chaired by Abdul Mahmud after the initial screening exercise, conducted on Saturday, cleared only 33 candidates while rejecting 65. Among those rejected were several aspirants perceived to be aligned with Governor Sim Fubara, including Jumbo, who is known to be a close ally of the governor.
The Appeal Committee’s deliberations come after the initial screening panel confirmed the disqualification of aspirants linked to the state governor, a decision that sparked criticism from supporters who argue that political affiliation should not influence the vetting process. The committee has indicated that it will publish a final list of cleared candidates once the appeal period concludes.
Jumbo’s appearance before the committee underscores the ongoing tension within the APC’s internal selection mechanisms in Rivers State. While the party has not released a definitive timetable for the final list, stakeholders anticipate that the outcome will shape the composition of the party’s ticket for upcoming elections.
The case highlights broader questions about the transparency and fairness of party screenings in Nigeria’s competitive political landscape. Observers note that the resolution of these appeals could set a precedent for how intra‑party disputes are managed ahead of future electoral contests.
