The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has successfully conducted ward delegate congresses in Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas, paving the way for its primaries ahead of the February 21, 2026, bye-elections into the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The congresses, held to elect delegates who will choose the party’s candidates, targeted the vacant seats in Ahoada East State Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II. These bye-elections, scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), follow vacancies in the two constituencies.
In Ahoada East II, a seven-member party congress committee, chaired by Barrister Smart Iheanazo, oversaw the process across the six wards. The team ensured strict adherence to APC guidelines while monitoring proceedings.
INEC observers, led by Assistant Electoral Officer Okogbule Emilia (in charge of operations for the area), were present, alongside security personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Police Force to maintain order and transparency.
The exercise unfolded peacefully, with party members participating through voice votes in an orderly fashion. At the conclusion, five delegates were elected from each ward.
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A parallel congress took place in Khana Constituency II under the supervision of the party’s delegate congress and primary election committee, headed by Oyoala Peter. As in Ahoada East, INEC officials and security agencies monitored the proceedings to uphold fairness and compliance with party rules. Five delegates per ward were similarly selected.
These elected delegates from both constituencies will now participate in the APC primaries to determine the flagbearers for the February 21 polls. Party officials expressed satisfaction with the smooth and violence-free conduct of the congresses, describing the process as a vital step toward a strong and competitive showing by the APC in the upcoming bye-elections.
The peaceful nature of the congresses underscores the party’s commitment to internal democracy amid preparations for the keenly contested seats. With INEC emphasizing transparency and issuing warnings against violence, all eyes are now on the primaries and the general elections as Rivers State political stakeholders gear up for what promises to be significant contests in these constituencies.
