Loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) nominations to contest the Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
The development has generated tension within the camp of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct bye-elections to fill two vacant seats in the state legislature. The vacancies are in Ahoada-East Local Government Area Constituency II and Khana Local Government Area Constituency II.
The seat in Khana Constituency II fell vacant after the death of Hon. Dunebari Loolo some months ago.
The Ahoada-East Constituency II seat became vacant following the resignation of its representative, Edison Ehie, amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.
APC held delegate selection processes and primaries in both constituencies on Monday, January 26, 2026.
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) constituted committees to oversee delegate elections and the primary process at each constituency. The delegate elections took place on Sunday, January 25.
Hon. Napoleon Ukalikpe, identified as a loyalist of the FCT minister, clinched the APC nomination for Ahoada-East Constituency II. Mrs. Bulabari Loolo won the APC ticket for Khana Constituency II. Bulabari Loolo is the widow of the late Hon.
Dunebari Loolo and was endorsed in part as a settlement following her husband’s death.
A source within the political landscape in Rivers State told reporters that the outcome of the primaries has sparked confusion within Governor Fubara’s camp.
Some supporters of the governor are questioning the allocation of party tickets, while others believe agents aligned with Wike’s Renewed Hope Agenda outmaneuvered Fubara’s stakeholders in the primary contests.
A political insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the situation as unsettled within the governor’s camp. The source said the results have “sparked confusion” and suggested differing interpretations of political strategy among Fubara’s allies.
The success of Wike’s loyalists in securing APC tickets reflects continuing influence by the FCT minister in Rivers State politics. It further illustrates underlying tensions between national figures aligned with the APC and Governor Fubara’s local political base.
The bye-elections will serve as an early test of political strength and organisational readiness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With the APC bye-election tickets secured by supporters of Minister Wike, political actors in Rivers State are preparing for competitive campaigns ahead of the February 21 polls.
The reactions within Fubara’s camp point to internal political fault lines that may influence future party dynamics in the state.
