Fubara’s Defection Strengthens APC Support Base In Rivers

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that the defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has significantly boosted the party’s popularity and expanded its support base across the state.

The party made this known following the successful completion of its delegate congresses and primary elections in Ahoada East State Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II, ahead of the House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21.

Addressing journalists during a joint press briefing on Sunday, officials of the congress committees appointed by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) described the electoral exercises as peaceful, transparent, 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, describing it as a major unifying factor that has strengthened internal cohesion within the party.

“Governor Fubara’s leadership has further united the APC family. The party is gaining momentum in Rivers State because it now has a leader with clarity, direction, and focus,” Dange said.

He added that the reaction of residents throughout the exercise clearly reflected widespread enthusiasm for the recent political shift.

“As we toured the constituency, we witnessed the excitement of the people. They are genuinely pleased with this new development and the emergence of a new leader for the APC in Rivers State,” he noted.

Also speaking, Secretary of the Delegate Congress and Party Primary Committee in Ahoada East, Barrister Smart Iheanazor, said the massive turnout demonstrated increasing public trust in the governor’s leadership and the party’s agenda.

“Most striking was the overwhelming support shown by party members, who were chanting ‘Renewed Hope’ in solidarity with President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. The turnout across the entire Ahoada area was remarkable,” he stated.

Khana Residents Show Strong Support For APC — Peter

In Khana State Constituency II, Chairman of the Delegate Congress and Primary Committee, Ayoala Peter, said the level of enthusiasm displayed by party members highlighted the APC’s growing acceptance in the area.

“Despite the long distances between wards and the time spent reaching some communities, party members remained patient and eager to participate. Their joy and willingness to engage were evident throughout the process,” he said.

Earlier, the APC conducted ward congresses to elect delegates who will participate in the upcoming party primaries. In Ahoada East, the exercise was supervised by the committee led by Dange, with Barrister Smart Iheanazor serving as secretary. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force monitored the process.

Delegates were selected through voice voting, with five delegates emerging from each ward.

Similarly, in Khana, the exercise was overseen by Ayoala Peter, with INEC officials and security agencies present. Delegates were chosen using the open ballot system.

The delegates elected across both constituencies are expected to vote in the APC primaries to select the party’s candidates for the February 21 bye-elections in Ahoada East State Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II.

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 unoccupied since the passing of Dinebari Loolo in September 2023.

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