Fresh political tension has erupted within the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the disqualification of businessman and former presidential aspirant, Tein Jack-Rich, from the party’s Rivers West Senatorial primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development triggered protests and strong reactions from several APC support groups, who accused the party’s screening committee of unfair treatment and political bias. The aggrieved groups warned that the controversy could worsen divisions already affecting the APC structure in Rivers State.
Jack-Rich APC Disqualification Protest Sparks Internal Tension
The protest against the disqualification of Jack-Rich gained momentum after the Conference of APC Support Groups publicly condemned the decision of the screening committee.
In a statement issued after an emergency meeting in Abuja, the coalition described the disqualification as unjust, divisive, and harmful to party unity in Rivers State. The statement was signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Dr Bilal Galadima, and General Secretary, Hon. James Ogenyi.
The coalition alleged that the APC screening process in Rivers State favoured politicians linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while sidelining long-standing members of the party.
According to the group, only aspirants perceived to be loyal to Wike were cleared to participate in the party primaries.
Supporters Question Screening Committee Decision
Supporters of Jack-Rich argued that the former presidential aspirant had remained loyal to the APC for more than a decade and therefore deserved fair treatment during the screening exercise.
The coalition questioned how a politician they described as a committed APC stakeholder could be denied clearance while newer entrants into the party allegedly secured approval to contest.
Particular attention was drawn to the reported clearance of Felix Obua, a former ally of Governor Nyesom Wike, whom critics claimed only recently joined the APC structure in Rivers State.
The support groups warned that excluding established party loyalists could damage grassroots confidence within the APC ahead of future elections.
Rivers APC Faces Growing Internal Divisions
The disqualification has added to growing tensions within the Rivers APC, where internal rivalries and factional struggles have continued shaping political developments.
Since the 2023 elections, Rivers politics has remained highly polarised, with competing interests struggling for influence within both the APC and opposition structures in the state.
Political analysts believe the latest controversy reflects broader concerns over candidate selection processes, internal democracy, and control of party structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Observers also note that Rivers State remains strategically important because of its political influence and voting strength in the South-South region.
APC Support Groups Demand Fairness
The protesting coalition called on the APC National Working Committee and party stakeholders to intervene and review the outcome of the screening process.
According to the group, the party risks weakening its grassroots support base if loyal members continue feeling marginalised during internal political processes.
The coalition stressed that internal democracy and fairness remain essential for maintaining trust among party members and ensuring stability within the APC.
Supporters also urged the national leadership of the party to create a level playing field for all aspirants regardless of political affiliations or external influence.
Disqualifications Continue to Generate Controversy Nationwide
The controversy in Rivers State comes amid wider disputes surrounding APC primary screenings across different parts of the country.
Recent reports indicated that dozens of aspirants seeking National Assembly tickets under the APC were disqualified during the screening process, leading to protests and allegations of manipulation in several states.
In many cases, affected aspirants and their supporters accused the party leadership of favouritism, consensus imposition, and exclusionary politics.
Political observers say the situation reflects growing pressure within the APC as competition intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Attention Turns to APC National Leadership
As reactions continue trailing the Rivers controversy, attention is now focused on whether the APC national leadership will intervene to address grievances raised by aggrieved aspirants and party supporters.
Analysts believe unresolved disputes arising from the primaries could affect party cohesion and grassroots mobilisation in key states ahead of the elections.
For supporters of Tein Jack-Rich, the disqualification represents more than a personal political setback. They argue it reflects deeper concerns about transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness within the APC’s internal political process.
