Tinubu Reaffirms Fubara as APC Leader in Rivers Amid Political Tensions

President Bola Tinubu has restated his position that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, remains the recognised leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, despite ongoing political tensions and impeachment moves against the governor.

The clarification was conveyed by the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, against the backdrop of a deepening rift in Rivers politics and the strained relationship between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking during a televised interview, Bwala said the President aligns with the position of the APC national leadership that elected governors are, by convention, the political heads of the party in their respective states. He stressed that this principle applies squarely to Rivers State.

According to him, Wike, who is no longer affiliated with the APC, has no authority to speak or act on behalf of the party in Rivers, even though he may still wield influence within the Peoples Democratic Party. Bwala maintained that party leadership in Rivers rests solely with Governor Fubara.

He further explained that Tinubu’s stance is guided by strict adherence to party rules, constitutional order, and due process, noting that the President does not interfere arbitrarily in internal party structures.

Addressing concerns about Wike’s role within the federal cabinet, Bwala said while the President recognises and rewards political contributions, such considerations do not override national interest or party discipline. He added that the President allows latitude, but draws clear boundaries when limits are crossed.

On the impeachment proceedings facing Fubara at the Rivers State House of Assembly, Bwala cautioned that any such process must comply with constitutional provisions and existing court orders. He emphasised that the party’s position is that the governor must be allowed to govern without unlawful obstruction.

The Rivers State chapter of the APC welcomed the presidential clarification, describing it as a validation of its long-held position. The party called for the conduct of congresses at ward, local government and state levels to resolve internal disputes and urged Governor Fubara to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to chart a unified path forward for the party in the state.