The All Progressives Congress (APC) committees – which have been set up to conduct representative congresses and primaries for the February 21, 2026 by-elections to the Rivers State House of Assembly – have described the state governor, Siminalai Fubara, as a rallying point for the party in the state.
This is because the state chapter of the party is embroiled in a controversy over who is the “rightful leader” of the party in the state between Governor Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.
The camp loyal to Wike has scoffed at Fubara's claim of being '001' at every forum, arguing that the governor is not necessarily the leader of the state chapter.
The committees set up by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to hold the congress and primaries on Sunday, January 25, 2026, said Fubara's leadership has given the party a renewed focus and direction.
Chairman of the Congress and Primary Committee for Ahoda East State Constituency II, Shehu Dange, while addressing the press on Sunday, January 25, 2026, said the governor’s accession to the APC has strengthened the acceptance of the party across the state.
He said the reactions of constituents during the exercise reflected growing confidence in Fubara's leadership.
Dange said, “Our people went into the field and observed the election. The returning officers worked with local and election officials at various levels. They filled the necessary documents, followed a diligent process to put forward candidates for the Delegate Congress.”
He said, “As the process concludes, we thank both national and state APC members for the diligent conduct of the congress and we commend the state security services, INEC observers and the press for the excellent coverage.”
Dange thanked Fubara for his support in ensuring a peaceful process and said his position as party leader in the state had brought unity to the party.
Also read: Impeachment: The rivers that people left are inclined towards Fubara.
He said, “As we go to the constituencies where we are working, we have seen the response of the people. The people are happy with the new development. We have got a new leader of the APC in the state and his leadership has further united the APC family. The party is growing stronger in Rivers State because it now has a leader with focus and direction.”
Representative Congress for Ahoda East State Constituency II and Secretary of the Party Primary Committee, Smart Ihanazor, attributed the massive turnout and enthusiasm to the confidence reposed in the governor by the people.
“Most importantly, when they were chanting ‘renewed hope’ in support of the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, there was no doubt about their commitment,” Ihenazor said. He said, there was heavy voting on Ahoda axis.
Chairman of the Congress and Primary Committee for Khana State Constituency II, Ayola Peter, said the level of participation shows that the APC is well positioned to win the upcoming by-elections and 2027 general elections.
“Despite the distance between wards and the time taken to reach some of them, party members were waiting anxiously,” he said. “We saw their happiness and willingness to participate in the process,” he said.
Ward congresses were held in both Ahoda East II and Khana II constituencies to elect representatives who voted in the party primaries before the by-elections.
In attendance were observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by the Assistant Electoral Officer (Operations) of the local government area, Okogbule Emilia, 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 being elected through the open ballot system. INEC officials and security agencies including the DSS and police monitored the process.
