APC Popularity Skyrockets In Rivers After Fubara Switches Sides

According to Ireporter Online, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the recent defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has strengthened its base and increased its appeal among residents across the state. The party successfully concluded its delegate congresses and primary elections in Ahoada East State Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II in preparation for the February 21 House of Assembly bye-elections.

Speaking at a joint press briefing, officials from the APC National Working Committee (NWC) described the exercises as peaceful and reflective of renewed public confidence in the party. Chairman of the Congress and Primary Committee for Ahoada East State Constituency II, Shehu Dange, described Governor Fubara’s entry into the APC as a unifying force that has strengthened the party in Rivers State. He said residents’ reactions during the delegate congresses demonstrated their excitement over the political realignment.

Barrister Smart Iheanazor, secretary of the Ahoada East committee, highlighted the high level of participation, noting that it reflected growing trust in the governor’s leadership. He added that party members expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election during the exercise, chanting “Renewed Hope” as they turned out in large numbers.

Similarly, Ayoala Peter, who chaired the delegate congress and primary committee in Khana State Constituency II, noted that the enthusiasm and eagerness of party members underscored the APC’s rising popularity in the area. Ward congresses were conducted earlier to elect delegates for the primaries, supervised by the committees with oversight from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force. Delegates in both constituencies were elected through voice vote and open ballot systems.

The elected delegates will vote in the upcoming APC primaries to choose flagbearers for the February 21 bye-elections. The Ahoada East seat became vacant following the resignation of Edison Ehie to serve as Chief of Staff to Governor Fubara, while the Khana seat has remained unoccupied since the death of Dinebari Loolo in September 2023.