The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has significantly boosted the party’s influence and acceptance across the state.
The party made this known following the successful conduct of its delegate congresses and primary elections in Ahoada East State Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II, ahead of the February 21 House of Assembly bye-elections.
Addressing journalists during a joint press briefing on Sunday, officials of the APC committees sent by the National Working Committee (NWC) described the exercises as peaceful and indicative of renewed public confidence in the party.
Chairman of the Congress and Primary Committee for Ahoada East State Constituency II, Shehu Dange, commended Governor Fubara’s entry into the APC, noting that it has helped to unite party members and reposition the party in Rivers State.
According to him, the governor’s leadership has given the APC a clear sense of direction, contributing to its growing strength within the state.
Dange added that reactions from residents during the delegate congress reflected widespread excitement over the recent political shift, with many welcoming what they see as a new phase of leadership for the party.
Similarly, the Secretary of the Delegate Congress and Party Primary Committee in Ahoada East, Barrister Smart Iheanazor, said the high turnout and level of engagement showed increasing confidence in the governor’s leadership.
He noted that participants openly expressed their support for President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and his re-election bid in 2027, stressing that turnout across the Ahoada area was impressive.
In Khana State Constituency II, Chairman of the delegate congress and primary committee, Ayoala Peter, said the enthusiasm shown by party members was a clear sign of APC’s rising popularity in the area.
Peter explained that despite logistical challenges and the distance between wards, party members remained patient and eager to take part in the process, demonstrating their commitment to the party.
Prior to the primaries, the APC held ward congresses to elect delegates. In Ahoada East, the exercise was overseen by Dange and Iheanazor, with monitoring by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force. Delegates were selected through voice votes, with five delegates emerging from each ward.
A similar process was carried out in Khana State Constituency II under the supervision of Ayoala Peter, with INEC officials and security agencies in attendance. Delegates there were chosen using the open ballot system.
Delegates elected from both constituencies are expected to participate in the APC primaries to select the party’s candidates for the February 21 bye-elections.
The Ahoada East seat became vacant following the resignation of Edison Ehie, who was appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Fubara, while the Khana seat has remained vacant since the death of Dinebari Loolo in September 2023.