President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, remains the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The position was conveyed through the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala. The clarification comes amid the impeachment proceedings against Fubara being pushed by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and continuing political tension involving his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Bwala, who spoke on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme, said the President aligns with the stance of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, that governors serve as party leaders at the state level.
“I agree with the point highlighted by the national chairman that in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC. Wike is not a member of the APC, so he cannot speak for the party,” Bwala said.
He added that while Wike may be regarded as a leader within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the leadership of the APC in Rivers State rests with Governor Fubara.
According to Bwala, the President’s position is guided by respect for party procedures, the rule of law, and due process.
“What the national chairman said is the position the president sticks to, because he respects party procedures. The president believes in the rule of law and due process, and the party will always respect that,” he said.
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Commenting on concerns about Wike’s perceived influence within the federal government, Bwala said the former Rivers governor has been adequately compensated as a cabinet member, but such considerations do not override national interest.
“We’ve heard people complain that as a cabinet member, Wike enjoys certain benefits. Wike has been adequately compensated. The president believes in compensating people, but not at the expense of the interest of Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu gives latitude, but once you cross the line, you will know,” he said.
Governor’s Position Must be Adequately Respected-Bwala
Bwala also addressed the impeachment proceedings against Fubara, stressing that the governor’s authority must be respected and that the process must comply with constitutional and legal provisions.
“When you ask who is the leader of the party, the answer is the governor. The impeachment procedure must be consistent with the practice of law and constitutional requirements. The governor will deal with it. There are court orders stopping the impeachment, and the party is clear: nobody should stop Fubara from governing Rivers State,” he said.
The Rivers State chapter of the APC welcomed the President’s clarification, describing it as a vindication of its position.
In a statement, the party said the reaffirmation aligns with the policy direction of the APC national leadership under Prof. Yilwatda and Senator Ajibola Basiru, and confirms Governor Fubara as the party’s leader in Rivers State.
The party also called on the APC National Working Committee to fix congresses for the election of new leaders at the ward, local government and state levels, and urged Governor Fubara to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to chart the party’s direction going forward.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
