By Eteteonline
Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the acknowledged leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, according to Daniel Bwala, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Advisor on Policy Communication. He emphasized that previous governor, Nyesom Wike, is not a member of the ruling party.
Bwala provided the clarification in the midst of ongoing political tensions involving Nyesome Wike, who is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and impeachment proceedings against Fubara in the Rivers House of Assembly.
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Hard Copy” program, Bwala stated that the President supports Nentawe Yilwatda, the national chairman of the APC, who believes that state governors are the party’s leaders.
He asserted that the national chairman’s stance is unambiguous: the APC in Rivers is led by Fubara, not Wike.
“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. Wike is not a member of APC, so he cannot speak for the APC.”
He continued by saying that although Wike can be considered a PDP leader, Fubara is the only person with APC leadership in the state.
“He may be the leader of the PDP in Rivers State because he was a former governor and they do not have a governor at the moment, but in APC, the leader of the party in Rivers State is Governor Fubara,” he stated.
Bwala claims that Tinubu backs the APC leadership’s position on internal party procedures and the rule of law.
The president adheres to the national chairman’s stance because he respects party protocol.
“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.
Regarding worries about Wike’s clout in the federal administration, Bwala stated that Wike has received fair compensation. “The president believes in compensating people, but not at the expense of the interests of Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu gives latitude, but once you cross the line, you will know.”
Regarding the attempts to remove Fubara from office, the assistant stated that the party believes the governor should be free to perform his duties without hindrance. The authority of the governor must be respected. The impeachment process must adhere to both constitutional standards and the practice of law.
There have been judicial orders that have prevented impeachment. He stated that no one should prevent Fubara from running the state.
Bwala further explained that party authority is not granted by Wike’s position as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. According to him, Wike works for the Federal Government rather than the APC.
He urged all parties to adhere to constitutional procedures, pointing out that the state leadership dispute has been resolved because the APC recognized Fubara as party head. Fubara left the PDP in December 2025 and joined the APC.
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