PORT HARCOURT — The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully concluded ward congresses in Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas to elect delegates for its upcoming legislative primaries.
The exercise, held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, is a strategic precursor to the House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for February 21. The polls will determine the new representatives for Ahoada East State Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II.
In Ahoada East, the congress was supervised by a committee chaired by Shehu Dange, with Smart Iheanazor serving as Secretary. The team monitored the six wards within the constituency, where members elected five delegates per ward through an orderly voice-vote system. The process was officially observed by an INEC delegation led by Assistant Electoral Officer Okogbule Emilia, while personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) provided security to maintain order.
Simultaneously, the congress in Khana Local Government Area was conducted under the oversight of a committee headed by Oyoala Peter. Similar to the proceedings in Ahoada East, five delegates were chosen from each ward in strict adherence to the party’s constitution and guidelines. The exercise was also certified by INEC officials and monitored by various security agencies.
Following the conclusion of the votes, party officials expressed satisfaction with the peaceful atmosphere and the high level of member participation. They described the congresses as a successful milestone in the APC’s bid to secure victory in the upcoming legislative contests.
The elected delegates from both local government areas are now set to participate in the party’s primaries, where they will cast the deciding votes to determine the APC’s final candidates for the February 21 elections. These bye-elections are being closely watched as a significant barometer of the party’s grassroots strength amidst the ongoing political realignments in Rivers State.
