APC says Governor Wike is not a party member and had no role in its screening process in Rivers.

The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted claims that it was biased in the screening of assembly aspirants.

The party rejected speculation that candidates loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike were given preferential treatment, while those perceived to be aligned with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara were denied clearance.

Publicity Secretary Chibuike Ikenga made these statements on Tuesday while addressing reporters at the APC State Secretariat in Port Harcourt.

He called the reports misleading and unfair, emphasizing that Wike is not an APC member and has no role in the screening process.

Ikenga noted that, although Wike publicly endorsed the re‑election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, linking him to the outcome of the screening was inappropriate and unfounded.

He added that the screening was carried out peacefully and transparently, with the committee’s report showing that 33 aspirants were cleared and 65 were not cleared.

The state APC’s spokesperson highlighted that an appeal committee was formed to review petitions from dissatisfied aspirants, and that the exercise proceeded smoothly without disruption.

“Wike is not a member of our party, and so has no hand in our screening process. The allegation of being biased in the screening process is misleading and unfair,” Ikenga said.