The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has formally recognised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as the leader of the party in the state, amid escalating political tensions with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Yilwatda’s declaration comes against the backdrop of renewed rivalry between Fubara and Wike over political control of Rivers State following Fubara’s defection to the APC. Upon joining the ruling party, the governor had publicly described himself as the “001” of the APC in Rivers.
However, Wike swiftly dismissed the claim, insisting that he still wields influence over the state’s political structure, arguing that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are aligned in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Reacting to the controversy, Yilwatda affirmed Fubara’s leadership status within the APC in Rivers but stressed the need for inclusiveness and internal coordination. He also made it clear that the party’s leadership would respect the outcome of its primary elections.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, the APC chairman said:
“Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he would need to coordinate with every other person in the state.
“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 the primary election.”
The statement is expected to further shape the political dynamics in Rivers State as the race towards the 2027 general elections gradually gathers momentum.
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