Confusion In Fubara’s Camp As Wike’s Loyalists Clinch APC Bye-Election Tickets

In a dramatic twist to the ongoing political saga in Rivers State, loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the upcoming House of Assembly bye-elections, sending shockwaves through the camp of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to conduct the bye-elections on February 21, 2026, to fill two vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The affected constituencies are Ahoada-East Local Government Area Constituency II and Khana Local Government Area Constituency II. The seat in Khana Constituency II became vacant following the untimely death of the former lawmaker, Hon. Dunebari Loolo, several months ago. Meanwhile, the Ahoada-East seat was vacated by Edison Ehie, who resigned amid the escalating political crisis that has pitted Fubara against his predecessor, Wike.

The APC conducted its delegate congresses on Sunday in the two constituencies, overseen by committees appointed by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). These congresses elected five delegates from each constituency to participate in the primaries held the following day, Monday, January 26, 2026. The process was monitored by INEC officials and security agencies, ensuring a level of transparency amid the heated political atmosphere.

Emerging as the flagbearers were Hon. Napoleon Ukalikpe for Ahoada-East Constituency II and Mrs. Bulabari Henrietta Loolo for Khana Constituency II. Ukalikpe is a known loyalist of Wike, while Mrs. Loolo, the widow of the late Hon. Dunebari Loolo, was reportedly selected as a form of compensation for her husband’s demise. This outcome has been described by sources close to the situation as a major setback for Governor Fubara, who recently defected to the APC in a bid to consolidate power.

The development has ignited confusion and finger-pointing within Fubara’s camp. Some insiders allege that the governor may have compromised the interests of his own supporters in negotiations, while others claim that Wike’s “Renewed Hope Agents” – a reference to allies aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda – simply outmaneuvered him. One anonymous source told NaijaChoice News, “This is a clear sign that Wike still pulls the strings in Rivers politics. Fubara’s defection came too late, and now he’s paying the price.”

The broader context of this victory lies in the protracted feud between Wike and Fubara, which has roots in Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in late December 2025. Wike, who has long been a dominant figure in Rivers politics, dismissed Fubara’s move, stating that defection does not automatically confer leadership status in the APC. “Leadership is not because I am a governor. You must have something that makes you a leader,” Wike remarked in a recent address. He further emphasized that his structures control the grassroots, including local governments and wards, and that Fubara’s late decision leaves his re-election prospects in 2027 uncertain.

Conflicting reports have added to the intrigue. Earlier accounts suggested that Fubara had seized control of the APC structure in Rivers, with his supporters conducting ward congresses ahead of the bye-elections. However, the primaries’ results indicate that Wike’s influence prevailed, leading some analysts to speculate that internal divisions within the APC allowed Wike’s loyalists to clinch the tickets despite Fubara’s efforts. There are also whispers that Wike directed his supporters to explore alternatives like the Social Democratic Party (SDP) if needed, though the APC wins render this moot for now.

Social media reactions, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), reflect the polarized views. One user posted, “BREAKING: Governor Fubara loses out as Wike’s candidates… win APC primaries,” highlighting the perceived defeat for Fubara. Another noted, “Wike’s candidates won two APC bye-election primaries in Rivers. FUBARA barking dog, no level,” underscoring the gloating from Wike’s supporters.

As the February 21 bye-elections approach, this latest episode underscores the fragility of alliances in Rivers State. With Wike’s camp gaining momentum, questions loom over Fubara’s ability to navigate the crisis and secure his political future. Analysts warn that continued infighting could undermine governance and development in the oil-rich state, urging both sides to prioritize peace as brokered in previous interventions by President Tinubu.