The All Progressives Congress (APC) committees — set up to conduct delegate congresses and primaries for the February 21, 2026 by-elections into the Rivers State House of Assembly — have described Siminalayi Fubara, the state governor, as a rallying point for the party in the state.
This is as the state chapter of the party is embroiled in controversy over who, between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is the “rightful leader” of the party in the state.
The camp loyal to Wike, at every fora, have derided Fubara’s claim to being ‘001,’ arguing that the governor is not necessarily leader of the state chapter.
The committees, set up by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, to conduct the congresses and primaries, on Sunday January 25, 2026, said Fubara’s leadership has given the party renewed focus and direction.
Shehu Dange, Chairman of the Congress and Primary Committee for Ahoada East State Constituency II, addressing the press on Sunday, January 25, 2026, said the governor’s entry into the APC has strengthened the party’s acceptance across the state.
He added that reactions from constituents during the exercise reflected growing confidence in Fubara’s leadership.
Dange said, “Our people moved to the field and the election was observed. The returning officers worked with the local and the electoral officers at what level. They filled in the necessary documents, followed a diligent process to bring out the candidates for the delegates Congress.
“While this process is concluded, we thank the APC members, both national and state, for conducting the congress diligently and we appreciate the state security services, the INEC observers, and the press for excellent coverage,” he said.
Dange also thanked Fubara for his support in ensuring a peaceful process, saying his position as the leader of the party in the state brought unity to the party.
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“As we move into the constituencies where we are working, we have seen the reaction of the people. People are happy with the new development. We have got a new leader of APC in the state and his leadership has further united the APC family. The party is getting stronger in the Rivers State because it now has a leader with focus and direction,” he said.
Smart Iheanazor, Secretary of the Delegate Congress and Party Primary Committee for Ahoada East State Constituency II, attributed the large turnout and enthusiasm to the trust reposed in the governor by the people.
“Most importantly, while they were chanting ‘Renewed Hope’ in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, there was no doubt about their commitment,” Iheanazor said, adding that turnout across the Ahoada axis was massive.
Ayoala Peter, Chairman of the Congress and Primary Committee for Khana State Constituency II, said the level of participation demonstrated that the APC is well-positioned for victory in the forthcoming by-elections and the 2027 general elections.
“Despite the distance between wards and the time it took to reach some of them, party members waited eagerly,” he said. “We saw their happiness and willingness to participate in the process,” he said.
Ward congresses were conducted in both Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies to elect delegates who will vote in the party’s primaries ahead of the by-elections.
Observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Okogbule Emilia, Assistant Electoral Officer (Operations) for the local government area, were present, as well as security agencies including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
The APC congress in Khana State Constituency II was held concurrently under the supervision of party officials, with delegates elected through an open ballot system. INEC officials and security agencies, including the DSS and the police, monitored the process.
