Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has debunked allegations that he is supporting the candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the forthcoming by-election scheduled to hold on February 21, 2026. 
 
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) slated the by-election fill two vacant seats in the House of Assembly. In preparation for the election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) recently conducted its primary, resulting in the emergence of Napoleon Ukalikpen and Bulabari Henrietta Loolo for elections into Ahoada East State Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II, respectively.
  
Since both candidates are known allies of the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, many analysts have been interpreting the situation as a minus for Fubara, with some alleging that he (Fubara) was planning to support the candidates of the ADC instead of his new party, the APC, during the election. 
 
However, Fubara has dismissed the allegation, describing it as “blatant lies from the pit of hell.” He said those peddling such falsehood were doing so with the mischievous intention of creating division within the APC in Rivers. 
 
“The APC in Rivers is one family. What happened was that in the build-up to the primaries, the President (Tinubu) intervened and asked everyone to support the candidates of the former governor and Minister of the FCT (Wike) for peace to reign. So, if these candidates are members of the APC and we are all members of the same party, how can I be supporting the candidates of another political party? These are blatant lies from the pit of hell,” Fubara said. 
  
The governor said it was unfortunate that political detractors were always busy fanning the embers of division, even when there was none. He assured members of the APC in the state that he would continue to support the party and ensure its victory at the polls. He urged citizens of the state to remain focused on issues of development and not be swayed by baseless claims.