The screening committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has disqualified Senator Ipalibo Banigo, a former deputy governor under Nyesom Wike, from participating in the party’s senatorial primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

Banigo, who currently represents Rivers West Senatorial District in the Senate, served as Wike’s deputy governor for eight years before moving to the National Assembly.

Reports indicate that the APC screening panel ruled her out of the primaries following its review process, although the exact reasons for the disqualification were not immediately made public.

The development comes amid growing political tensions in Rivers State, particularly between allies of former Governor Nyesom Wike and supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Recent APC screening exercises in the state have also reportedly affected several aspirants linked to rival political camps.