Wike Loyalists Beat Fubara to Secure APC Tickets Ahead of Rivers Bye-Elections

Loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have emerged as winners in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections.

The victories came ahead of the February 21, 2026 polls scheduled to fill two vacant seats in the Rivers State Assembly. The development has reshaped the political contest in the affected constituencies.

The Independent National Electoral Commission will conduct the bye-elections in Ahoada-East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II.

Both seats became vacant after separate political and personal events disrupted representation in the areas.

The Khana Constituency II seat became empty following the death of the sitting lawmaker, Hon. Dunebari Loolo.

The Ahoada-East Constituency II seat was declared vacant after Edison Ehie resigned his position during the political crisis that rocked the state.

APC conducted its internal processes over two days to prepare for the primaries. Delegate congresses were held in the two constituencies to select five delegates each.

These exercises were supervised by committees set up by the party’s National Working Committee.

On Monday, the party held its primary elections under the watch of INEC officials and security agencies. The process produced candidates closely linked to the FCT Minister.

Hon. Napoleon Ukalikpe secured the APC ticket for Ahoada-East Constituency II. He is known to be a loyal supporter of Wike within the state’s political structure.

In Khana Constituency II, the party picked Mrs. Bulabari Loolo as its flag bearer. She is the wife of the late lawmaker, Dunebari Loolo, who previously represented the constituency. Party insiders described her emergence as a gesture of compensation following her husband’s death.

The outcome of the primaries has triggered reactions within the camp of Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

Reports indicate that the results did not favour several aspirants believed to be aligned with the governor.

Some party stakeholders accused the governor of sacrificing the ambitions of his loyalists during the selection process.

Others argued that “Renewed Hope Agents” loyal to the FCT Minister outmaneuvered his political structure.