APC clears Delta speaker, screens out 36 assembly aspirants

The All Progressives Congress in Delta State has cleared the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Dennis Guwor, and 45 other aspirants to participate in the party’s House of Assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party announced the outcome after a two-day screening exercise conducted at the APC Secretariat in Asaba.

In a statement signed by the screening committee chairman, Uche Uzochukwu, and secretary, Chiedozie Nwafor, the committee disclosed that 82 aspirants appeared before the panel.

According to the committee, 46 aspirants were cleared after verification of their credentials and eligibility status, while 36 others were disqualified over alleged irregularities and violations of party guidelines.

The panel stated that Guwor emerged as the only cleared aspirant for the Warri South-West constituency.

It also confirmed that 17 serving lawmakers seeking re-election secured clearance, alongside former commissioners including Funyei Manager, Harry Trakirlowei and Orode Uduaghan.

The committee listed attempted inducement and bribery of panel members among reasons for some disqualifications.

Other affected aspirants were accused of submitting unsworn affidavits, failing to present Permanent Voter Cards and lacking valid APC membership slips.

The panel also cited inconsistencies in names and dates of birth on official documents, irregular membership numbers, failure to pay party dues and inadequate ward nominations as grounds for disqualification.

It further raised concerns over alleged violations of zoning arrangements in some constituencies, warning that disregarding such agreements could hurt the party’s electoral chances in 2027.

According to the committee, some aspirants also failed to resign from political appointments as stipulated by the Electoral Act, while others allegedly submitted multiple or invalid affidavits.

The panel maintained that the screening exercise was conducted transparently and in line with the APC constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act.

It urged disqualified aspirants not to consider the outcome final, noting that affected contestants could seek redress before the party’s Screening Appeal Committee.