Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed his readiness to collaborate with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for the overall progress and development of the state, following the successful conduct and outcome of Saturday’s bye-elections in Ahoada East and Khana constituencies.
The governor made the disclosure while congratulating the winners of the polls—Ukalikpe Napoleon of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who secured victory in Ahoada East State Constituency II, and Loolo Bulabari Henrietta, also of the APC, who emerged victorious in Khana State Constituency II.
The bye-elections, held on February 21, 2026, were conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill vacant seats in the state legislature. Both constituencies had been without representation following earlier vacancies.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, Governor Fubara described the election results as a clear reflection of the confidence the people of the affected areas have in the winning candidates. He described their victories as “well deserved” and urged the new lawmakers to work diligently to justify the trust reposed in them by their constituents.
“It is the beauty of democracy. When the people believe in your capacity, they will give you their votes,” Fubara said. “I look forward to working with them and their colleagues in the Rivers State House of Assembly for the progress of our state.”
The governor also commended the people of Ahoada East and Khana for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves before, during, and after the election. He highlighted the level of order and maturity displayed throughout the process as a positive sign of the deepening democratic culture in Rivers State.
The bye-elections come at a time when the Rivers State House of Assembly has been sharply divided, with factional alignments and legal battles over leadership and membership creating uncertainty in legislative business. Fubara’s public expression of willingness to collaborate with the incoming lawmakers—both from the opposition APC—is being interpreted by political observers as a gesture aimed at de-escalating tension, fostering bipartisan cooperation, and ensuring the state assembly can function effectively in the interest of Rivers people.
The two newly elected members are expected to be sworn in soon, potentially shifting the balance of power or at least adding new voices to the ongoing debates on governance, budget passage, and oversight in the state.
Governor Fubara’s statement also underscores his administration’s continued emphasis on stability, development projects, and inclusive governance despite the political turbulence that has characterized Rivers State since the 2023 governorship election and subsequent local government polls.
No immediate reaction has been received from the APC state leadership or the new lawmakers as of Tuesday evening, but their eventual participation in House proceedings will be closely watched for signs of whether cross-party collaboration can take root in the polarized Rivers political landscape.
