The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has named Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the party’s leader in Rivers State, amid renewed political tensions in the state.
Yilwatda’s declaration comes against the backdrop of a growing rift between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over control of political structures in Rivers.
Following his recent defection to the APC, Fubara had described himself as the party’s number one member in the state. Wike, however, rejected the claim, insisting that he still controls the political structure in Rivers, citing an alliance between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party to support President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Addressing the issue in an interview on Channels Television’s *Hard Copy*, Yilwatda clarified the party’s position, stating that Fubara remains the recognised leader of the APC in Rivers State.
“Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he would need to coordinate with every other person in the state,” the APC chairman said.
Yilwatda stressed that leadership status does not override internal democratic processes within the party, particularly during primary elections.
“I don’t choose who to support in the state’s primary election. If Fubara emerges as the APC candidate, I’ll support him,” he added.
He noted that the party would stand by the outcome of its primaries, regardless of the candidate involved.
“If he loses the primary, I’ll sympathise with him and go with the person who wins the primary election,” Yilwatda said.
The comments signal the APC leadership’s attempt to balance competing interests in Rivers State while reaffirming internal party rules. The state has remained a key political battleground, with rival power blocs positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Observers say the APC’s stance could shape future alignments in Rivers, as party leaders seek to manage tensions and maintain unity amid shifting loyalties and high-stakes political manoeuvring.
