APC Chairman Declares Fubara Leader of Rivers APC Amid Rising Tension With Wike

APC Chairman Declares Fubara Leader of Rivers APC Amid Rising Tension With Wike

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has weighed in on the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, declaring Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the recognised leader of the APC in Rivers.

Yilwatda’s declaration comes amid deepening political tensions following the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as alignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Rivers dispute escalated after Fubara defected to the APC and publicly declared himself as the party’s “001” in the state. Wike, however, rejected the claim, insisting he still controls the political structure in Rivers State. The former governor also argued that the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are working together locally to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

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Addressing the controversy during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, Yilwatda confirmed Fubara’s leadership position within the APC but cautioned that party leadership must be inclusive and collaborative.

“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.

The APC chairman also clarified his stance ahead of the party’s primary elections, stressing that personal loyalty would not influence his decisions. According to him, the party’s internal democratic process would determine its candidates.

“I don’t choose who to support in the state’s primary election. If Fubara emerges as the APC candidate, I’ll support him,” he said.

Yilwatda added that the party would stand firmly behind whoever wins the primaries.

“If he loses the primary, I’ll sympathise with him and go with the person who wins the primary election.”

The remarks suggest that Fubara’s chances of securing a second term under the APC will depend strictly on the party primaries, while also underscoring that the Rivers political battle between key power blocs remains unresolved.

APC Chairman Declares Fubara Leader of Rivers APC Amid Rising Tension With Wike