Confusion in Fubara’s Camp as Wike Loyalists Secure APC Tickets for Rivers Assembly Bye-Elections

Political tension has once again gripped Rivers State following the emergence of candidates believed to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as flag bearers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21, 2026. The development has reportedly sparked confusion and renewed rivalry within the political camp of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to conduct the bye-elections to fill two vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly—Ahoada-East Local Government Area Constituency II and Khana Local Government Area Constituency II. These vacancies arose following the death of the lawmaker representing Khana Constituency II, Hon. Dunebari Loolo, and the resignation of Edison Ehie, who represented Ahoada-East Constituency II before stepping down amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.

In preparation for the elections, the APC conducted its congresses to select delegates who would participate in the party’s primaries. According to party sources, five delegates were produced from each constituency through congresses held on Sunday, supervised by committees constituted by the APC National Working Committee (NWC). The primaries were subsequently conducted on Monday, under the monitoring of INEC officials and security agencies to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines.

At the end of the exercise, Hon. Napoleon Ukalikpe emerged as the APC candidate for Ahoada-East Constituency II, while Mrs. Bulabari Loolo secured the party’s ticket for Khana Constituency II. Both candidates are widely perceived as loyalists of former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, a perception that has fueled political speculation across the state.

Mrs. Loolo’s emergence has drawn particular attention, as she is the widow of the late Hon. Dunebari Loolo. Party insiders disclosed that her candidacy was largely seen as a compensatory gesture following her husband’s demise, a practice that, while not unprecedented in Nigerian politics, has continued to generate public debate about merit, representation, and democratic values.

Sources within the political space claim that the outcome of the primaries has unsettled the camp of Governor Fubara, with differing interpretations emerging among his supporters. While some accuse the governor of sacrificing the interests of his loyalists within the APC structure, others argue that political operatives aligned with the “Renewed Hope” movement and loyal to Wike simply outmaneuvered rival factions through superior grassroots organization and party influence.

The development has also reignited broader conversations about the lingering influence of Wike in Rivers State politics, despite his current role at the federal level. Many political observers note that Wike’s entrenched network, built during his eight-year tenure as governor, continues to shape political outcomes across party lines, often blurring the distinction between state and federal political loyalties.

Supporters of Governor Fubara, however, have dismissed reports of confusion within his camp as exaggerated or misleading. Some argue that the governor did not submit any preferred candidates for the bye-elections and that all aspirants who contested under the APC umbrella did so through established party processes. They insist that the primaries were transparent and that claims of Wike’s dominance are being amplified for political effect.

On the other hand, critics maintain that the emergence of Wike-aligned candidates in a state currently governed by Fubara underscores the governor’s perceived weakness in consolidating power and building an independent political base. They argue that the situation mirrors earlier power struggles in Rivers politics, where outgoing governors maintained firm control over party structures and succession dynamics.

Beyond party rivalries, the unfolding events have drawn public attention to the broader implications for governance in Rivers State. Many residents express fatigue over prolonged political battles, lamenting that governance and development often take a back seat to elite power struggles. Calls have intensified for political leaders to prioritize service delivery, legislative stability, and the welfare of citizens rather than personal or factional supremacy.

As the February 21 bye-elections approach, political analysts predict that the contests will serve as a litmus test for the balance of power between Governor Fubara and his predecessor. The outcome is expected to shape future political alignments, influence legislative dynamics within the Rivers State House of Assembly, and potentially set the tone for the highly anticipated 2027 general elections.

For now, Rivers State remains politically charged, with all eyes on how the governor, party leaders, and influential political actors navigate the latest chapter in the state’s long-running political drama.