The Presidency has put to rest the lingering controversy surrounding the leadership structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, declaring Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the party’s leader in the state.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made the clarification while speaking on Hard Copy, a Channels Television programme. He said President Tinubu aligns fully with the position earlier stated by the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, on the leadership hierarchy in Rivers State.
Recall that on January 3, Yilwatda affirmed that Governor Fubara leads the APC in Rivers, explaining that the party’s tradition accords sitting governors the privilege of leading the party at the state level. He also urged governors to promote inclusion and avoid sidelining other party members.
Speaking on the programme, Bwala stressed that Fubara must be allowed to perform his constitutional duties without interference. According to him, “I agree with the position of the National Chairman that in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC. Wike is not a member of the APC and therefore cannot speak for the party. He may be regarded as a leader within the PDP in Rivers State, having been a former governor, but the APC leader in the state is Governor Fubara.”
Bwala added that President Tinubu’s stance is consistent with the party’s internal regulations and democratic principles. “What the National Chairman said is the position the president stands by because he respects party procedures. The president believes strongly in the rule of law and due process, and the party will always uphold that,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, within the federal government, Bwala noted that appointments and political considerations do not override national interest. “People complain that as a cabinet member, Wike enjoys certain privileges. Wike has been adequately compensated. The president believes in rewarding people, but never at the expense of Nigeria’s interest. He gives latitude, but once you cross the line, you will know,” he stated.
Bwala further disclosed that the ongoing political tension between Wike and Fubara is being managed. He reiterated that the leadership question is not in doubt. “When you ask who the leader of the party is, the answer is the governor. Any impeachment process must follow constitutional and legal procedures,” he said.
He added that court orders currently restraining impeachment efforts must be respected, stressing that the party’s position is clear that no one should obstruct Governor Fubara from governing Rivers State. According to him, President Tinubu also respects the autonomy and rights of states governed by opposition parties, including the PDP.
