Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has questioned claims of political leadership in Rivers State, criticizing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s declaration of himself as “001” in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Arise TV on Tuesday, Fayose drew parallels with Lagos State, insisting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu cannot claim to be the political leader of the state. According to Fayose, ultimate authority in Lagos rests with President Bola Tinubu, a former governor of the state.
“The president that I know hates ingratitude; he controls Lagos from the palms of his hands,” Fayose said. “For instance, the speaker was impeached, and another person took over in Lagos State. The president, without saying a word, caused the system to restore that speaker because it’s an affront to the president, who is the leader. Will you tell me Sanwo-Olu is the leader in Lagos? Let him come out and say he’s the leader in the state.”
Fayose also described the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State as a political lifeline for Fubara, arguing that it has protected him from potential impeachment. “The emergency rule was all-winning for Governor Fubara because by now he would have been history,” Fayose said.
The comments come amid ongoing tensions between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over control of Rivers State’s political machinery. In December 2025, Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, receiving membership card number “001” and pledging loyalty to President Tinubu.
“Today, I am not just a member of the APC; I am number one. We are going to do everything to make the 2027 election for Mr President a smooth ride in Rivers State,” Fubara said during the flag-off of the Rivers Airport Bypass Project.
However, Wike dismissed Fubara’s claim, stating that APC registration occurs at ward and local government levels, and there is no statewide “001” position. “Leadership is not because I’m a governor. Leadership is not because I’m a minister. You must have something that makes you a leader,” Wike emphasized.
The political debate highlights the ongoing struggle for influence in Rivers State as the 2027 elections approach.
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