President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that Siminalayi Fubara is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, amid mounting political tensions linked to impeachment proceedings against the governor.
The presidential position was communicated by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication, who said the president aligns with the position of the APC national leadership that governors are the party’s leaders at the state level.
Presidency Emphasises Party Structure and Rule of Law
Speaking on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme, Bwala stated that the clarification reflects the party’s constitutional framework and respect for due process.
“I agree with the point highlighted by the national chairman that in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC. Nyesom Wike is not a member of the APC, so he cannot speak for the party,” Bwala said.
He added that the president’s stance is guided by institutional order rather than personal loyalty, stressing that party procedures must be respected irrespective of political alignments.
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Wike’s Role and Impeachment Tensions
Former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has been a central figure in the political rift within the state, despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Tensions escalated following impeachment proceedings initiated by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Fubara, a move that has drawn national attention and triggered legal interventions.
Bwala noted that while Wike remains a cabinet member, his influence does not extend to determining party leadership in Rivers State.
“The president believes in compensating people, but not at the expense of Nigeria’s interest. Once you cross the line, you will know,” he said.
APC Rivers Chapter Welcomes Clarification
The Rivers State chapter of the APC welcomed the president’s clarification, describing it as a reaffirmation of established party norms.
In a statement, the party said the position aligns with the direction of the APC national leadership under Nentawe Yilwatda, and urged the conduct of ward, local government, and state congresses to harmonise internal party structures.
The chapter also called on Governor Fubara to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to chart a unified path forward for the party in the state.
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