The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared 72 out of 76 aspirants who purchased and submitted nomination forms to participate in the party’s House of Assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Key Highlights:
- APC cleared 72 aspirants for Bayelsa Assembly primaries
- Four aspirants reportedly denied clearance over alleged refusal to sign withdrawal agreement
- Bayelsa’s eight local government areas comprise 24 state constituencies
- Fresh screening exercise conducted by APC National Secretariat
- Speaker Abraham Ingobere reportedly seeking return unopposed
- Aspirants intensify consultations and grassroots mobilization across constituencies
- Youth participation and zoning debates dominate pre-primary discussions
Sources within the party disclosed that some aspirants were allegedly denied clearance after refusing to sign what was described as a “voluntary withdrawal agreement,” a move some contenders reportedly viewed as an attempt to pressure them out of the race.
Findings showed that the sale and submission of nomination and expression of interest forms have officially closed, while the party has completed a second phase of screening through its National Secretariat.
Bayelsa State’s eight local government areas are divided into 24 state constituencies, with political activities intensifying across the state as aspirants lobby for party tickets ahead of the primaries.
Party insiders confirmed that the latest screening exercise has produced a final shortlist of cleared aspirants, signaling the conclusion of the internal verification process.
Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, is reportedly positioning for a return to the Assembly from Brass Constituency III without opposition from within the party.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the APC screening committee for Assembly aspirants, Engr. Iboro Ekanem, described the exercise as peaceful, transparent, and credible.
Ekanem said the committee was committed to conducting a meticulous screening process capable of preventing future litigations that could threaten the party’s chances in the elections.
Former Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area and Assembly aspirant for Ogbia Constituency I, Chief Ebiango Egain, expressed confidence in emerging victorious during the primaries.
Read Also:
- 17 ADC Reps dump party for NDC as another joins APC
- Delta APC disowns fake list of consensus candidates for House of Assembly elections
- APC takes a swipe at Obi, says he lacks commitment to build any party
Egain stressed the need for experienced and grassroots-oriented politicians to occupy legislative positions in the state.
“You can’t stop the rain from falling. The large crowd accompanying me today reflects the support base we have built. It is time for people who have positively impacted lives to represent the people at the Bayelsa State House of Assembly,” he stated.
Another aspirant, Engr. Tonbara Inegbegha, who is contesting for the Southern Ijaw Constituency I seat, called for greater youth participation in politics.
He argued that younger and energetic leaders should be given opportunities to serve in the State Assembly, describing the upcoming APC primaries as a defining moment for Bayelsa youths.
“The House of Assembly should serve as a training ground for future leaders. Our youths are vibrant, productive, and capable of delivering effective representation,” he said.
Meanwhile, political discussions surrounding zoning and constituency balancing have continued to shape debates in Ogbia Constituency III, where five aspirants are reportedly contesting for the APC ticket.
The aspirants include Dr. Peter Isu, Dr. (Barr.) Michael Priesthood, Gabriel Ogbara, Monday Eribo, and Champion ThankGod Obom.
Stakeholders from Ward 9 of the constituency have intensified calls for the area to produce the next Assembly member, citing years of alleged political marginalisation.
Dr. Peter Isu maintained that fairness and equity demand that Ward 9 be allowed to occupy the seat in 2027 after several terms held by other wards within the constituency.
Political observers also noted that some serving lawmakers seeking re-election have remained largely silent amid reports of possible zoning arrangements and internal political compromises that may affect their ambitions.
The APC primaries in Bayelsa are expected to shape the party’s strategy ahead of the 2027 governorship and legislative elections, with party leaders aiming to strengthen internal unity and improve electoral competitiveness across the state.
