The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially recognized Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the party leader in Rivers State, with National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda pledging support for his second-term ambitions, contingent on him winning the party primaries.
Yilwatda explained that in APC practice, serving governors are automatically regarded as party leaders in their states, but must coordinate with stakeholders to ensure inclusivity.
“Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he would need to coordinate with every other person in the state,” Yilwatda said.
“We give governors the privilege to lead their state parties, but they must ensure inclusion and carry everyone along.”
The confirmation comes amid a tense political backdrop. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has repeatedly challenged Fubara’s claim, asserting that his “001 status” applies only to his ward, not the entire state. Wike warned that Fubara’s reelection would irreparably damage his own political career.
“We have made a decision as far as Tinubu is concerned. The other one — no way. Because if we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically. I will not allow myself to be buried,” Wike stated, while addressing stakeholders in Okrika LGA.
Yilwatda also clarified that APC discussions in Rivers will be conducted with Fubara, not Wike, who remains a PDP member, emphasizing that the party’s focus is on current members, not outsiders.
Regarding Fubara’s second-term bid, Yilwatda cited precedent from Ekiti State, noting that governors must contest in party primaries like any other aspirant before securing the party ticket.
The ongoing rivalry highlights growing tension between Fubara and Wike, particularly after the governor’s recent defection from PDP to APC, which Wike claims violated a prior peace agreement in Rivers State.
