Fubara APC leader Rivers as Tinubu’s aide says Governor Siminalayi Fubara, not Nyesom Wike, leads the APC in Rivers State
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communication, has declared Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the recognised leader of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, firmly stating that former governor Nyesom Wike is not a member of the ruling party.
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Bwala made the assertion on Thursday while speaking on Hard Copy, a political programme aired by Channels Television, against the backdrop of an escalating political crisis in Rivers State, where lawmakers have initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara.
He said the position of the APC national leadership was unambiguous, stressing that party leadership in any state rests with its sitting governor.
Bwala stated that Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, had already clarified that Fubara, having joined the party and serving as governor, is the party’s leader in Rivers State.
He said Wike, a former Rivers governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, could not speak for the APC, as he is not a registered member of the party.
According to Bwala, Wike may retain influence within the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State due to his past role, but that influence does not extend to the APC.
The presidential aide added that President Tinubu supports internal party democracy, constitutional order and the rule of law, noting that the APC leadership expects Fubara to govern without interference.
Addressing the impeachment moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly, Bwala said court orders had already halted the process and warned against actions that could undermine democratic governance.
He said the party’s position was that no individual or group should obstruct the governor from carrying out his constitutional responsibilities.
Bwala also dismissed claims that Wike’s ministerial appointment confers political authority within the APC, describing his role as service to the Federal Government rather than to the ruling party.
He said the President values loyalty and service but would not compromise national or party interests to accommodate individuals acting outside established structures.
Governor Fubara defected from the PDP to the APC in December 2025 and has since been endorsed by party leaders for a second term in the 2027 governorship election.
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The Rivers State House of Assembly recently began impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing allegations of gross misconduct, including claims of financial impropriety and constitutional violations.
