Wike Loyalists Dominate Rivers APC Primaries as Fubara Camp Suffers Setback
Fresh political tensions have emerged within the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the outcome of the party’s primary elections ahead of the forthcoming House of Assembly bye-elections.
Loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reportedly secured the APC tickets for the February 2026 bye-elections, dealing a setback to supporters of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The elections are scheduled to fill vacant seats in Ahoada-East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Reports indicate that 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. Political observers believe both victories further strengthened the influence of Wike’s political camp within the APC structure in Rivers State.
The Khana seat became vacant following the death of former lawmaker Hon. Dunebari Loolo, while the Ahoada-East position opened after the resignation of Edison Ehie amid the lingering political crisis in the state.
Sources within the party alleged that Governor Fubara’s loyalists were sidelined during the APC delegate congresses and primaries, raising concerns over the growing power struggle between rival political camps in Rivers State.
The development has intensified political speculation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with analysts predicting that the rivalry between the Wike and Fubara camps could significantly shape the future political direction of Rivers State.
