Fresh indications have emerged that the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State may face a wave of high-profile defections ahead of the 2027 general elections following growing internal disputes linked to the disqualification of several aspirants during recent party screening exercises.

The unfolding crisis has heightened tensions within the Rivers APC, particularly among lawmakers and influential political figures who were reportedly excluded from contesting various state and national elective positions.

Among those affected is Ipalibo Banigo, senator representing Rivers West Senatorial District and former deputy governor of Rivers State under the administration of Nyesom Wike.

Addressing supporters in Obuama, Degema Local Government Area, Banigo openly criticised the screening outcome and appealed to the APC national leadership to review the process.

“By this, I am also pleading to our great national party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to look into this matter and to do the right thing. I am sure they are capable of putting the records right,” she stated.

While urging calm among her supporters, the senator hinted at possible political consequences if the grievances remain unresolved.

“I don’t want you people to be agitated at all. But, when the time comes, we will still do the needful, and God will do what he has to do,” she added.

The dissatisfaction within the party was further amplified by Legborsi Yamaabana, a disqualified aspirant for the Rivers State House of Assembly, who warned that affected politicians could reconsider their future within the APC.

Yamaabana described the disqualifications as politically damaging and alleged that the party leadership failed to provide clear reasons for excluding certain aspirants.

“Whatever they are contemplating doing, whatever they have done has done a huge disservice to that political party,” he said.

He argued that sidelining grassroots political figures could weaken the party’s electoral chances ahead of 2027.

“We are in a political party, trying to come in to make you win the election because being on the ballot has a ripple effect of making the president win, making whoever is the governorship candidate of the party win,” he added.

The aggrieved aspirant further disclosed that consultations were already ongoing with supporters and political stakeholders across the state.

“As I am talking to you, I am in consultation with the grassroots, with the youths. Very soon, you will hear the tsunami. We will be on the ballot, and we will win this election,” Yamaabana declared.

Amid the growing tension, the Rivers APC leadership has appealed for restraint and party unity.

The party’s spokesman, identified as Ikenga, urged both successful and unsuccessful aspirants to prioritise collective interests ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Winning the primary does not guarantee victory in the general election. Candidates must carry everyone along to ensure overall success,” he said.

He also assured party members that internal conflict-resolution mechanisms remain available to address grievances and strengthen cohesion within the party structure.

The latest developments have exposed widening cracks within the Rivers APC at a time political realignments and succession battles are intensifying ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political observers believe unresolved disputes arising from the screening and primary processes could significantly reshape the APC’s electoral strength in Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most strategic political battlegrounds.

Neither the national leadership of the APC nor top party stakeholders in Rivers State had issued an official response to the growing defection concerns at the time of filing this report.