APC Support Groups Protest Disqualification of Tein Jack-Rich in Rivers West Race
By Gambo Jagindi
May 15, 2026
Coalition warns of fallout ahead of 2027 elections, accuses screening committee of bias
A coalition of All Progressives Congress support groups has condemned the disqualification of businessman and former APC presidential aspirant Tein Jack-Rich from the Rivers West Senatorial contest, saying the move undermines party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued Friday in Abuja, the Conference of All Progressive Congress Support Groups described the decision by the APC screening committee as “unjust, divisive, and a threat to party unity.” The group alleged that the screening process in Rivers State favored loyalists of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike at the expense of long-standing APC members.
“How can our party allow only one man who is not a member of our party to make decisions or dictate the direction of our party?” the coalition asked.
The group contrasted Jack-Rich’s disqualification with the clearance of Felix Obua, whom it described as a Wike loyalist who joined the APC only three months ago. Jack-Rich, the statement said, has backed the party for 13 years and contested its presidential primary in 2023.
“How can our party disqualify Jack-Rich, a former Presidential aspirant who has been loyal and supported our party for the last thirteen years, only for our party to choose Felix Obua, a Wike loyalist who only joined the party three months ago?” the statement read.
The Conference called on the APC National Working Committee and senior party leaders to review the decision, warning that unresolved grievances could weaken the party’s structure in Rivers State and nationally.
“Failure to address the matter could weaken the party’s structure and cause it to capsize ahead of the 2027 election,” the group said. It urged the leadership to “uphold internal democracy, reward loyalty, and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants across Rivers State and the nation.”
The Conference of All Progressive Congress Support Groups described itself as a coalition of APC grassroots support structures operating nationwide. The statement was signed by National Coordinator Dr. Bilal Galadima and General Secretary Hon. James Ogenyi.
The APC national secretariat has not issued a public response to the allegations. The party’s primary elections for the 2027 cycle are expected to take place next Monday
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