The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has formally recognised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as the leader of the party in the state, signalling a strategic recalibration amid escalating political tensions.
Yilwatda’s declaration comes against the backdrop of renewed hostilities between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over control of the political structure in Rivers State. The rivalry has intensified following Fubara’s recent defection to the APC, after which the governor publicly styled himself as the party’s foremost figure in the state.
Wike had pushed back strongly, insisting that he retains firm grip on Rivers’ political machinery, arguing that an alliance between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party is already in place to back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
However, speaking on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, Yilwatda sought to draw a clear institutional line, affirming Fubara’s leadership status within the APC while underscoring the primacy of internal party processes.
“Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but leadership requires coordination with all stakeholders,” the APC chairman said. “I do not anoint candidates. If Governor Fubara wins the party’s primary election, I will support him fully.”
Yilwatda was equally emphatic on the party’s commitment to due process, noting that personal preferences would not override democratic outcomes within the APC. “If he does not emerge from the primaries, I will empathise with him and stand by whoever the party produces,” he added.
