APC Conducts Ward Congresses Ahead Of Rivers Assembly Bye-elections

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has conducted ward congresses in Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas of Rivers State to elect delegates for its primaries ahead of the February 21 House of Assembly bye-elections.

The congresses were organised to select delegates who will vote for the party’s candidates in the bye-elections for Ahoada East State Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II.

In Ahoada East State Constituency II, the exercise was monitored by the party’s congress and primary election committee, chaired by Shehu Dange, with Smart Iheanazor serving as secretary.

Members of the party’s appeal committee were also part of the monitoring team.

The committee toured the six wards in the constituency to observe the process and ensure strict compliance with the party’s guidelines.

Observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by the Assistant Electoral Officer in charge of Operations for the local government area, Okogbule Emilia, were present at the congress.

Security agencies, including the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, were equally deployed to monitor the exercise and maintain order.

The congress was conducted peacefully across the wards, with party members participating in an orderly manner through a voice vote.

At the end of the exercise, five delegates emerged from each ward.

Similarly, the APC congress in Khana Local Government Area took place concurrently, with party officials supervising the selection of delegates in line with the party’s constitution.

The party’s delegate congress and primary election committee in the area was headed by Oyoala Peter.

INEC officials and security operatives from the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force were also present to observe the process.

As in Ahoada East, five delegates were elected from each ward in Khana State Constituency II.

The elected delegates from both constituencies are expected to participate in the APC primaries to determine the party’s candidates for the February 21 House of Assembly bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II.

Party officials expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the congresses, describing the exercise as a crucial step towards the APC’s successful participation in the forthcoming polls.

The Ahoada East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its former occupant, Edison Ehie, who was appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Khana II seat, on the other hand, has remained vacant since the death of its lawmaker, Dinebari Loolo, in September 2023.