The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has affirmed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the party in the state.
Yilwatda’s declaration comes amid renewed political tensions between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over control of the political structure in Rivers State.
After defecting to the APC, Fubara had earlier described himself as the party’s “number one” member in the state. However, Wike dismissed the claim, insisting that he remains in charge of the state’s political machinery, citing the alliance between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in support of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Speaking on Hard Copy, a Channels Television program, Yilwatda maintained that while Fubara is the APC leader in Rivers, inclusive coordination remains necessary.
“Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he must work with all other stakeholders in the state,” Yilwatda said.
The APC chairman also clarified his position on the party’s governorship primaries, stating that his support would be determined by the outcome of the process.
“I do not choose who to support in a state primary election. If Fubara emerges as the APC candidate, I will support him. If he loses, I will sympathize with him and support whoever wins the primary,” he added.
