The All Progressives Congress (APC) has credited the recent defection of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the party with galvanizing support and strengthening its position ahead of upcoming bye-elections.

This assessment came as APC committees wrapped up delegate congresses and party primaries in preparation for the February 21 House of Assembly bye-elections in Ahoada East State Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II.

In a joint press briefing on Sunday following the successful completion of the exercises, committee members highlighted the positive ripple effects of Fubara’s move to the APC.

Shehu Dange, chairman of the Congress and Primary Committee for Ahoada East State Constituency II, described the governor’s entry as a unifying force that has endeared the party to Rivers residents.

“As we moved around the constituency, we saw the reactions of the people. They are happy with the new development and the emergence of a new leader of the APC in the state,” Dange said. “Governor Fubara’s leadership has further united the APC family. The party is getting stronger in Rivers State because it now has a leader with focus and direction.”

Barrister Smart Iheanazor, secretary of the same committee, echoed these sentiments, linking the enthusiasm during the process to public trust in Fubara.

“Most importantly, while they were chanting ‘Renewed Hope’ in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, there was no doubt about their commitment,” Iheanazor noted. “As we saw, the entire Ahoada area turned out massively.”

In Khana State Constituency II, committee chairman Ayoala Peter reported similar fervor, suggesting it positions the APC for success in the bye-elections and the 2027 general polls under Fubara’s guidance.

“Despite the distance between wards and the time it took to reach some of them, party members waited eagerly,” Peter said. “We saw their happiness and willingness to participate in the process.”

The committees had earlier overseen ward congresses in both constituencies to select delegates for the primaries. In Ahoada East, the process—monitored by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials led by Assistant Electoral Officer Okogbule Emilia, along with security from the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Police Force—proceeded via voice vote.

In Khana, an open ballot system was used under similar oversight from INEC, DSS, and police.

Five delegates were elected from each ward in the constituencies. These delegates will now vote in the APC primaries to choose candidates for the February 21 bye-elections.

The developments underscore a shifting political landscape in Rivers State, where Fubara’s defection appears to be reshaping party dynamics.