The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a dual victory in the Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections held on Saturday, 21 February 2026. Candidates Ukalikpe Napoleon and Loolo Bulabari Henrietta emerged victorious in the Ahoada East and Khana 2 constituencies, respectively.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted the polls to fill vacancies created by the resignation of Edison Ehie in Ahoada East and the untimely passing of Dinebari Loolo, who previously represented Khana State Constituency II.
Mandate for Ahoada East
In Ahoada East, the Returning Officer, Professor Rosemary Ogbo, certified that the election was duly conducted and contested. She declared Mr Ukalikpe Napoleon the winner after he polled a commanding 3,980 votes.
His closest rivals trailed significantly, with the results as follows:
- Godstime Egor (APN): 38 votes
- Ego Marvelous (AA): 33 votes
- Oseja Clifford (BP): 11 votes
- Ephraim Raphael Ede (NNPP): 7 votes
- Ogide Samson Greatman (YPP): 7 votes
- Kwodu Saturday Prosper (ZLP): 6 votes
Professor Ogbo averred that Mr Napoleon, having satisfied the legal requirements and attained the highest number of valid votes, was “duly returned elected.”
Victory in Khana 2
Similarly, in Khana State Constituency II, Loolo Bulabari Henrietta secured her seat with a total of 7,647 votes. Ms Henrietta successfully defeated candidates from the African Alliance (AA), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the Young Progressives Party (YPP), and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Reflecting on her victory, the Member-elect described the process as smooth and successful, pledging to deliver impactful projects to enhance the welfare of her constituents.
Governor’s Call for Unity and Security Measures
Prior to the polls, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, had urged eligible voters to participate actively. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, the Governor characterised the election as a “family affair,” encouraging the electorate to support the APC candidates without rancour or acrimony.
“Everybody should be law-abiding and avoid doing anything that will disturb the peace during the exercise,” Governor Fubara remarked.
To ensure order, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olugbenga Adepoju, and the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, deployed operatives to strategic locations. This heightened security presence aimed to prevent electoral malpractice and ensure a violence-free environment.
Observations on Voter Participation
Despite the peaceful atmosphere and the Governor’s exhortations, the exercise was marked by a high level of voter apathy. Observers noted a notably low turnout across both constituencies, alongside a minimal security presence in certain areas, suggesting a growing trend of electoral disengagement within the state.
With these results, the APC continues to consolidate its legislative influence in Rivers State following a series of successful electoral outings across various local government and state constituencies.
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