The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the APC in Rivers State, putting to rest growing debates over the party’s leadership structure in the state.
Yilwatda made the statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, where he addressed recent political developments following Fubara’s defection to the ruling party.
The APC chairman’s comments come amid heightened political tension in Rivers State, particularly over control of party structures ahead of future elections.
Governor Fubara had earlier described himself as the “001” of the APC in Rivers State shortly after joining the party, a statement that sparked reactions from key political actors.
The claim was publicly dismissed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who argued that he remained the dominant political force in the state.
Wike maintained that his influence was solidified through the alliance between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State, especially in support of President Bola Tinubu’s expected re-election bid in 2027.
In his response, Yilwatda took a firm but conciliatory stance, recognizing Fubara’s leadership role while emphasizing the importance of collaboration within the party.
According to the APC chairman, Fubara’s position as leader does not negate the need to work with other stakeholders and party members across the state.
Yilwatda stated that Governor Fubara is indeed the leader of the APC in Rivers State but noted that leadership comes with the responsibility of coordinating with all relevant political actors.
He stressed that the APC operates on democratic principles and that no individual, including the national chairman, has the authority to unilaterally determine the party’s candidate in any election.
The APC chairman clarified that his role is not to impose candidates but to uphold the outcome of transparent and credible party primaries.
Yilwatda said he would fully support Governor Fubara if he emerges as the APC’s candidate through the party’s primary election process.
He added that such support would extend to backing Fubara for a second term as governor, should he secure the party’s nomination.
However, Yilwatda was equally clear that if Fubara fails to win the APC primaries, the party leadership would respect the outcome.
He noted that in such a scenario, he would sympathize with the governor but would ultimately support whoever emerges victorious in the primary election.
The APC chairman emphasized that internal democracy remains central to the party’s operations and credibility.
He explained that the strength of the APC lies in its adherence to established processes rather than loyalty to individuals.
Yilwatda’s remarks appear aimed at calming internal tensions and reassuring party members that the APC remains united despite competing interests in Rivers State.
The declaration also signals the national leadership’s recognition of Fubara’s current political standing following his defection.
Political observers say the statement could reshape the power dynamics within the APC in Rivers State, especially as preparations for future elections begin to gather momentum.
For now, Yilwatda’s position affirms Governor Fubara’s leadership status while reinforcing the principle that ultimate authority lies with party members through the primary election process.
