Prosper Okoye
The governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied claims that he is supporting candidates from a rival party ahead of a forthcoming state assembly bye-election.
Mr Fubara said reports suggesting he was backing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were false, insisting he remained fully committed to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The bye-election, scheduled for 21 February, is being organised by Nigeria’s electoral commission to fill two vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe APC recently selected Napoleon Ukalikpen and Bulabari Henrietta Loolo as its candidates for Ahoada East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II respectively. Both are regarded as allies of the former Rivers governor and current federal capital territory minister, Nyesom Wike.
Political analysts had speculated that the development could weaken Mr Fubara’s influence within the party, prompting claims that he might support opposition candidates instead.
Speaking to party members, Mr Fubara dismissed the suggestion, accusing unnamed political actors of attempting to sow division within the APC in the state.
“The APC in Rivers State is one family,” he said, adding that President Bola Tinubu had intervened during the party primaries to encourage unity and support for the selected candidates.
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He said it would be illogical for him to back candidates from another party while remaining a member of the APC.
Mr Fubara urged party supporters and residents to focus on governance and development rather than political speculation, and pledged continued support for the APC ahead of the polls.
Rivers State has been a focal point of intense political rivalry in recent months, following tensions between the governor and factions aligned with his predecessor.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
