Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has firmly denied reports suggesting that he is backing candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the forthcoming Rivers State House of Assembly bye-election scheduled for February 21, 2026.
The governor described the claims as false, misleading, and deliberately calculated to create political tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.
Background To The Bye-Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed the bye-election to fill two vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, following prolonged vacancies in the affected constituencies.
The elections will hold in:
- Ahoada East State Constituency II
- Khana State Constituency II
In preparation, the APC conducted its primary election, which produced Napoleon Ukalikpen and Bulabari Henrietta Loolo as the party’s candidates for the respective constituencies.
Speculation Over Political Allegiances
Following the emergence of the APC candidates, political commentators and analysts began to speculate that Governor Fubara might be politically disadvantaged, as both candidates are widely regarded as allies of the former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
This speculation gave rise to claims in some quarters that the governor was considering supporting ADC candidates during the bye-election.
Governor’s Response
Reacting to the reports, Fubara dismissed the allegations in strong terms, describing them as “blatant lies from the pit of hell.”
He accused those behind the claims of attempting to sow discord within the APC in Rivers State for selfish political gains.
“The APC in Rivers State is one family. What happened was that in the build-up to the primaries, the President intervened and asked everyone to support the candidates of the former Governor and Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, so that peace can reign,” Fubara said.
He questioned the logic behind the claims, stressing that all stakeholders involved belong to the same political party.
“If these candidates are members of the APC and we are all members of the same party, how can I be supporting the candidates of another political party? These are blatant lies from the pit of hell,” the governor added.
Assurance Of Loyalty To APC
Governor Fubara assured APC members and supporters in Rivers State of his continued loyalty to the party, pledging to work collectively to ensure victory in the forthcoming bye-election.
He lamented what he described as the persistent efforts by political detractors to manufacture crises where none exist, warning that such tactics could undermine unity and development in the state.
Call For Focus On Development
The governor also called on Rivers residents to remain focused on governance and development issues, urging them not to be distracted by unsubstantiated political claims.
According to him, the priority of his administration remains the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Rivers State, irrespective of political alignments.