By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has distanced itself from a purported list of cleared and uncleared aspirants for the Rivers State House of Assembly elections currently circulating across social media and other online platforms, describing the publication as false, unauthorized and misleading.
The party said the alleged list did not emanate from the official screening committee or the leadership of the party, warning members of the public against relying on unverified information capable of creating confusion within the party ranks.
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In a statement issued by the Secretary of the Screening Committee for Rivers State APC Aspirants, Hon. Tanko Yamowa, the party explained that the screening exercise conducted by the committee headed by Mauriana Ajibola was only concluded less than 24 hours ago, making it impossible for any authentic list to have been officially released.
According to the statement, the APC remains committed to due process and transparency, stressing that the publication of screening results follows clearly established procedures and timelines that must be respected by all party stakeholders.
“The attention of the party leadership has been drawn to the circulation of a purported list of cleared and uncleared aspirants for the Rivers State House of Assembly currently making rounds across various media platforms.
“We wish to categorically state that the said publication is false, unauthorised, and does not emanate from the appropriate party authorities,” the statement read.
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The party further assured aspirants, supporters and loyal members that any official communication regarding the outcome of the screening exercise would be released through the proper channels at the appropriate time.
Political observers believe the swift disclaimer by the party may have been prompted by growing tension among aspirants and their supporters ahead of the forthcoming political processes in Rivers State, a state widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive battlegrounds.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the circulation of unofficial lists and speculative reports has become a recurring issue during party primaries and internal political exercises across the country, often leading to anxiety, misinformation and avoidable disputes among party members.
Reacting to the development, the APC cautioned party faithful and the general public against spreading or relying on unofficial publications, insisting that those behind the alleged list were merely attempting to create unnecessary tension and confusion within the party.
“We therefore urge party faithful, aspirants, supporters, and the general public to disregard the purported list and treat it as the handiwork of mischief makers whose intention is to create confusion and unnecessary tension within the party,” the statement added.
The party reiterated its commitment to fairness, transparency and internal democracy throughout the screening and selection process, assuring aspirants of a credible exercise ahead of future electoral activities in the state.
The development comes amid heightened political realignments and preparations ahead of future elections in Rivers State, where political parties are already intensifying internal consultations and strategic mobilisation.
