Presidency Reaffirms Gov Fubara as APC Leader in Rivers, Says Wike Not Party Member

The Presidency has publicly weighed in on the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, affirming its support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the recognised leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

In a Channels Television’s current affairs programme Hard Copy, which was monitored by our Reporter, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Mr. Daniel Bwala, clarified President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s position on the leadership question within the ruling party in Rivers.

Bwala stated unequivocally that Governor Fubara remains the APC leader in the state in line with established party practice, which recognises serving governors as leaders of the party in their respective states.

“I agree with the point highlighted by the national chairman that in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State,” Bwala said. “You made mention of Wike. Wike is not a member of APC, so he can’t speak for APC. He may be the leader of the PDP in Rivers State because he was a former governor and they don’t have a governor at the moment, but in APC, the leader of the party in Rivers State is Governor Fubara.”

The presidential aide emphasised that President Tinubu is committed to rule-based party administration and respects established procedures within political parties. According to him, the President aligns with the position earlier stated by the APC National Chairman regarding Fubara’s leadership status in the state.

“The President believes in the rule of law and rule-based practice with respect to party affairs. What the national chairman said is the position the President sticks to because he respects party procedure,” Bwala noted.

Addressing the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, in the ongoing political tension, Bwala acknowledged that Wike has been instrumental in the Tinubu administration and has delivered significantly in his current role. However, he maintained that Wike’s contributions do not translate into party leadership within the APC in Rivers State.

“Wike has been instrumental in this administration. He delivered more than most. But he is not a member of the APC,” he said, adding that the President rewards performance but not at the expense of national interest or established rules.

According to Bwala, the dispute between Wike and Fubara has effectively been addressed from the party’s standpoint, particularly regarding the question of who leads the APC structure in the state.

On the issue of impeachment threats against Governor Fubara, the presidential spokesman noted that any such process must strictly follow constitutional and legal procedures. He pointed out that court orders have been secured to halt impeachment moves, reinforcing the need for adherence to due process.

“For the impeachment procedure, it must be consistent with the practice of law and constitutional requirements. They have been taking orders of court that stopped impeachment,” he said.

Bwala further stressed that no one should obstruct Governor Fubara from carrying out his constitutional duties.

“Nobody should stop Fubara from governing the state. That should be clear to everybody. The party sticks with the leaders of the party in their respective states,” he said.

He added that President Tinubu’s approach is consistent across party lines, noting that the President believes any duly elected governor—whether from the APC or another party—should be allowed to govern without undue interference.

“In fact, the President even respects the right of a state where a PDP governor is in office. If somebody from the APC wants to disturb him, he believes the governor should be allowed to govern the state. That is his disposition,” Bwala stated.

The Presidency’s position is expected to further shape the political dynamics in Rivers State, where tensions between supporters of Governor Fubara and allies of the former governor have dominated the state’s political landscape in recent months.