APC Chairman Endorses Fubara As Rivers State Political Leader, Signals Support For Second Term

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has officially recognized Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the party’s leader in Rivers State.

Yilwatda’s statement comes amid escalating tensions between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over political dominance in the state. The disagreement intensified following Fubara’s defection to the APC, after which he declared himself the “001” of the party in Rivers State.

Wike, however, dismissed Fubara’s claim, asserting that he remains in control of the state’s political structure. He noted that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are aligned to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

Addressing the dispute during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, Yilwatda affirmed Fubara’s leadership role in the state, while emphasizing the need for coordination with other stakeholders.

“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. He further clarified that his support would follow the outcome of the party’s primary election.

“I don’t choose who to support in the state’s primary election. If Fubara emerges as the APC candidate, I’ll back him. If he loses the primary, I’ll sympathize with him and support the winner,” Yilwatda added.