The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has described Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as the leader of the party in the state, amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers.
The declaration comes against the backdrop of renewed rivalry between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over political leadership and control of party structures in the state.
After defecting to the APC, Governor Fubara had referred to himself as the party’s “number one” figure in Rivers State. However, Wike rejected the claim, insisting that he remains in control of the political structure, citing an alliance between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in support of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
Responding to the controversy, Yilwatda stated that while Fubara is recognised as the APC leader in Rivers State, his support for the governor’s second-term ambition would depend on the outcome of the party’s primary election.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, the APC chairman said Governor Fubara must work collaboratively with other stakeholders within the party.
“Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he needs to coordinate with all relevant party members,” Yilwatda said.
He added that the party leadership would remain neutral during the primary process.
“I do not decide who to support in the primaries. If Fubara emerges as the APC candidate, I will support him. If he loses, I will sympathise with him and support whoever wins the primary election,” he stated.
The comments are expected to shape political alignments in Rivers State as preparations for future elections intensify.
