The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally recognised Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the party in Rivers State following his recent defection, amid escalating political tensions with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, as disputes intensified over who controls the party’s political structure in the oil-rich state.
Fubara’s move to the APC has deepened the long-running rift between him and Wike, with both camps laying claim to political dominance in Rivers. After joining the ruling party, the governor described himself as the “001” of the APC in the state, a declaration swiftly rejected by Wike, who insisted that he remains firmly in charge of the political machinery.
Wike also argued that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers were aligned behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s expected re-election bid in 2027, further complicating the leadership tussle.
Addressing the controversy, Yilwatda confirmed Fubara’s status as party leader in Rivers but noted that the governor must work inclusively with other stakeholders.
“Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he would need to coordinate with every other person in the state,” the APC chairman said.
Yilwatda further emphasised that the party’s internal democratic process would determine its eventual candidate, stressing that his support would be guided solely by the outcome of the APC primary election.
“I don’t choose who to support in the state’s primary election. If Fubara emerges as the APC candidate, I’ll support him. If he loses the primary, I’ll sympathise with him and go with the person who wins,” he stated.
The development underscores the shifting political alliances in Rivers State as key actors reposition ahead of future electoral contests.
