Bye-Election: Fubara Denies Backing ADC Candidates, Reaffirms Loyalty to APC ~ Truth Reporters

 

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed as false speculations that he is backing candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the forthcoming bye-election scheduled for February 21, 2026.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the bye-election to fill two vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly. Ahead of the polls, the All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted its primaries, which produced Napoleon Ukalikpen for Ahoada East State Constituency II and Bulabari Henrietta Loolo for Khana State Constituency II.

Given that both candidates are widely regarded as allies of former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, some political observers had interpreted their emergence as a setback for Governor Fubara. This, in turn, fueled allegations that the governor was covertly planning to support ADC candidates instead of the APC flagbearers.

Reacting to the claims, Governor Fubara firmly refuted the allegations, describing them as “blatant lies from the pit of hell,” and accused their promoters of attempting to sow discord within the APC in Rivers State.

“The APC in Rivers State is one family,” the governor said. “During the build-up to the primaries, the President intervened and appealed to everyone to support the candidates of the former governor and Minister of the FCT to ensure peace. These candidates are APC members, and we all belong to the same party. How then can anyone claim that I am supporting candidates of another party? It is completely false.”

Governor Fubara lamented what he described as the persistent efforts of political detractors to manufacture division where none exists. He assured APC members in the state of his continued commitment to the party and pledged to work tirelessly to secure its victory in the forthcoming bye-election.

He also urged Rivers people to remain focused on governance and development, and not be distracted by what he termed baseless and mischievous political narratives.