Rivers Bye-election: APC Set To Win As PDP And ADC Stay Away

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to conduct bye-elections on February 21 to fill vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The elections will take place in Ahoada East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II, covering Ahoada East and Khana local government areas.

According to official sources, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not feature on the ballots, having failed to indicate interest in contesting the elections. Political parties listed by INEC for the contest include the All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Alliance (AA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Boot Party (BP), New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The absence of major opposition parties appears to position the APC for a likely victory in both constituencies. Analysts suggest that prevailing political dynamics in Rivers State, coupled with recent efforts to resolve a three-year political crisis, have consolidated the APC’s dominance. Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara’s administration and the state House of Assembly have reportedly aligned closely, with prominent party leaders working together to secure a decisive win.

Despite the PDP’s absence, remnants of the party are reportedly cooperating with APC leaders under the so-called “rainbow coalition,” an initiative championed by former FCT Minister Chief Nyesom Wike. This coalition, involving members from various political parties, is aimed at advancing a unified political agenda ahead of the 2027 elections, a move expected to strengthen APC’s position in the bye-elections.

APC candidates enjoy significant local support. In Ahoada East Constituency II, Ukalikpe Napoleon Nyemodumakpo is described as a grassroots politician with years of commitment to party affairs, while in Khana Constituency II, Loolo Bulabari Henrietta, widow of the late former occupant, has garnered strong backing, particularly among women. Nevertheless, stakeholders caution the party against complacency, noting potential dissent from some factions within the APC who remain unsettled by recent political settlements.

Other candidates in Ahoada East Constituency II include Egor Marvelous (AA), Godstime Egor (APM), Oseja Clifford (BP), Ephraim Raphael Ede (NNPP), Ogide Greatman (YPP), and Okwudi Prosper (ZLP). In Khana Constituency II, APC rivals include Nwakpang Victor (AA), Yormii Barasima (NNPP), Celestine Gideon (YPP), and Anthony Ndor (ZLP).

INEC has confirmed the readiness of election materials, which were inspected at the Port Harcourt branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria in the presence of political party representatives. Security measures have been heightened, with the Rivers State Police imposing a restriction of movement from 12:00 to 18:00 on the day of the election. The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, emphasized that security personnel will be deployed strategically to prevent violence, protect property, and ensure a transparent electoral process. Citizens have been urged to comply with the movement restrictions, avoid gatherings around polling units, and report any suspicious activities.