Tinubu Reaffirms Fubara as APC Leader in Rivers

President Bola Tinubu has restated that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, remains the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, amid ongoing political tensions and impeachment moves against the governor.

The clarification was conveyed through the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, who spoke on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme. Bwala said the president aligns with the position of the APC national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, that governors are the leaders of the party at the state level.

“In Rivers State, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC. Nyesom Wike is not a member of the APC and therefore cannot speak for the party,” Bwala stated.

He noted that while Wike, the former Rivers governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), may be regarded as a leader within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leadership of the APC in Rivers State rests solely with Governor Fubara.

Bwala emphasised that President Tinubu’s position is guided by respect for party procedures, the rule of law and due process.
“What the national chairman said is the position the president stands by. The president believes in due process and the rule of law, and the party will always respect that,” he said.

Responding to concerns about Wike’s perceived influence within the federal government, Bwala said the president believes in rewarding service but not at the expense of national interest.
“The president gives latitude, but once the line is crossed, there are consequences,” he added.

On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, Bwala stressed that constitutional processes must be followed and the authority of the governor respected.
“There are court orders stopping the impeachment. The party’s position is clear: nobody should stop Governor Fubara from governing Rivers State,” he said.

The Rivers State chapter of the APC welcomed the presidential clarification, describing it as a vindication of its long-held position. In a statement, the party said the reaffirmation aligns with the direction of the national leadership under Prof. Yilwatda and Senator Ajibola Basiru.

The party further urged the APC National Working Committee to fix dates for ward, local government and state congresses to harmonise interests within the party. It also called on Governor Fubara to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to chart a clear path forward for the party in Rivers State.