Amaewhule, Wike’s men lead Reps primaries as APC disqualifies Fubara’s allies

Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has won the House of Representatives primaries to fly the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag during the 2027 general elections.

Amaewhule won the ticket following the primaries conducted in the 17 wards of Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency on Saturday May 16, 2026.

Blessing Amadi, currently representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency and a strong ally of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, won the APC ticket to seek a return to her seat at the House of Representatives.

Hart Cyril Godwin, another ally of Wike, is also in a pole position to fly the party’s flag for Bonny/Degema Federal Constituency at the general elections.

The party had earlier cleared Amaewhule, alongside 18 other aspirants believed to be pro-Wike, to contest the primaries for the 13 federal constituencies across Rivers State.

Four other aspirants, including two serving House of Representatives, loyal to Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State were disqualified.

Those disqualified from the race include, John Azubuike Opara, a retired Air Commodore, Anderson Allison Igbiki, and Awaji Abiante and Boma Goodhead, who are currently serving House of Representatives.

Apart from Amaewhule, Godwin and Amadi, those cleared include Linda Steward (Okrika/Ogu/Bolo); Felix Nwaeke (Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo); Philmoore Tony (Bonny/Degema); Dumnamene Dekor (Gokana/Khana); Israel Ngbuelo (Gokana/Khana); Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt); and Igwe Precious (Port Harcourt).

Others are Victor Obuzor (Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni); Solomon Bob (Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni); Onyeozu Nyebuchi (Ikwerre/Emohua); Adiele Ogbor (Ikwerre/Emohua); Tekena Ikiaki (Okrika/Ogu/Bolo); Frederick Apiafi (Andoni/Opobo/Nkoko); Ozuzum Nwamaka (Etche/Omuma); Obasi Chinazam (Etche/Omuma); Isobo Solomon (Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru); and Luke Enerine (Andoni).

Kingsley Chinda, APC governorship aspirant who is said to be Wike’s choice, Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary, Victor Giadom, National Vice Chairman (South-South) and Kelechi Nwogu, Peoples Democratic Party House of Representatives member, were at Ward 1 Obio/Akpor and other wards in the state on Saturday to observe the primaries.

Election monitors pointed out that while consensus has been achieved in most federal constituencies, the party had chosen direct primaries as the mode of selecting its candidates.

The distribution of election materials for the primaries was held under tight security at the party’s state secretariat in Port Harcourt.

As early as 8.00am, heavy police presence was seen around the secretariat, with policemen and vans also seen at major intersections leading to the venue.

Party officials, who did not want their names mentioned, said the police deployment was to safeguard electoral materials and ensure a smooth process for aspirants and delegates.

Party leaders had urged members to conduct themselves peacefully as the primaries got underway.

A statement by the party had urged party faithful to proceed to their various wards instead of forming gatherings at the party secretariat.

Tension had heightened in the state over the disqualification of 65 House of Assembly aspirants said to be loyal to Fubara in a move seen by many as an attempt to witch-hunt the governor and his loyalists.

Despite the declaration by the governor’s staunch allies, such as Chijioke Ihunwo, former chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to weather the storm with him in the APC, others have begun to pitch their tents with the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) and others.

Legborsi Yamaabana, President-General of Ogoni Youth Federation and House of Assembly aspirant, in a radio interview on Saturday, said he had already dumped the APC for “a more reliable party.”

He said the APC House of Assembly Screening was flawed ab-initio and skewed to favour aspirants loyal to the FCT minister.

As at the time of filing this story, some results for the APC House of Representatives primaries were still being expected from the various wards.

Golden Uche, a Port Harcourt-based political analyst said, “The trend is already clear. Wike’s men, such as Amaewhule are unopposed, and will definitely carry the day.”