Candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have won both seats contested in the February 21 Rivers State House of Assembly by-elections, despite reports of low voter turnout and the late arrival of electoral materials in some areas.
The by-elections were held to fill vacancies in Ahoada-East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II, following preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In Khana Local Government Area, the APC candidate for Khana State Constituency II, Henrietta Bulabari, emerged winner after polling a total of 7,647 votes. She defeated candidates of the African Alliance, the New Nigerian Peoples Party, the Young Peoples Party, and the Zenith Labour Party. Following her victory, Bulabari pledged to run an inclusive representation, assuring constituents that she would carry everyone along in the affairs of the constituency once she assumes office.
Similarly, in Ahoada-East Constituency II, APC candidate Ukalikpe Napoleon was declared winner of the by-election. The Returning Officer, Prof. Rosemary Ogbo, who announced the results, stated that the election was duly conducted and keenly contested. Napoleon secured a total of 3,980 votes to defeat candidates of other political parties.
Napoleon had earlier cast his vote at Ogbelle Town, Unit 1, Ward 9, in Ahoada East Local Government Area. Speaking after the exercise, he commended voters for participating in the election and expressed satisfaction with both the turnout and the conduct of the poll. He described the voting process as smooth, orderly, and largely peaceful.
Although observers noted challenges such as low turnout and logistical delays, the APC victories further strengthened the party’s presence in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The outcomes of the by-elections are expected to shape political alignments and legislative activities within the state in the coming months.
