The consensus arrangement of the Rainbow Coalition in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State produced 32 candidates in the House of Assembly primary elections yesterday.

Party members came out en masse in various state constituencies to affirm the candidacy of their agreed aspirants amid a peaceful exercise.

There was no disagreement as party officials conducted the events seen by many stakeholders as unique.

But loyalists of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, were reportedly missing in the whole arrangement.

Among those excluded from the final list were former factional Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and former Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Council, Chijioke Ihunwo, both regarded as key allies of the governor during the political crisis that rocked the state.

In Asari-Toru Constituencies 1 and 2, where Tekenari Granville and Enemi Alabo George were unopposed candidates, the Chief Press Secretary of the council, Mrs Winnie Morganson, said party members reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the democratic principles of the APC

She said the turnout was massive and that it reflected the unity, discipline and political strength that had continued to distinguish the APC chapter as a formidable pillar of support for the party’s growth, stability, and success in Rivers.

“The peaceful and orderly conduct witnessed throughout the exercise also highlighted the maturity, loyalty and shared vision of members towards sustaining progressive leadership and deepening internal democracy within the party,” she said.

Same reports were received in other local councils, particularly in Bonny, where party members were said to have turned the event into a carnival while affirming Jumbo Soparagha as their only candidate.

Meanwhile, following the disqualification of Fubara’s men, they petitioned the APC screening appeal committee headed by Abdul Mahmud. The panel had promised to forward its report to the party’s National Secretariat, but no official outcome has been communicated.

However, the final list released by the party cleared the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Dumle Maol; House Leader, Major Jack, and 34 other aspirants believed to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to contest seats in the 32-member Assembly.

APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Chibuike Ikenga, in a statement on Tuesday night, said the final list emanated from the party’s National Secretariat.

He urged aspirants to verify their status at the party’s state secretariat in Port Harcourt.