In a significant political development, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has officially recognised Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the party in Rivers State. This declaration comes amidst the ongoing political tension between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Television Interview Reveals Party Position
Professor Yilwatda made this pivotal statement during an appearance on the popular Channels Television programme, Hard Copy, on January 3, 2026. His comments have clarified the party's hierarchy within the oil-rich state, potentially reshaping the local political landscape.
"Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State," Yilwatda stated unequivocally. He further elaborated that for effective governance and party cohesion, the governor "would need to coordinate with every other person in the state." This nod towards inclusivity suggests an awareness of the need to manage internal party dynamics carefully.
Support for Second-Term Ambition
Beyond the leadership declaration, the APC chairman introduced another layer to the unfolding political saga. He expressed a willingness to back Governor Fubara's quest for a second term in office, albeit with a crucial precondition.
Professor Yilwatda clarified that his support would be contingent on Governor Fubara successfully winning the party's primaries. This statement is particularly noteworthy as Governor Fubara was originally elected under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), highlighting the complex and fluid nature of Nigerian politics where cross-carpeting is common.
Context of the Wike-Fubara Rift
This announcement cannot be viewed in isolation. It is deeply interwoven with the protracted and very public feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political godfather, Nyesom Wike. The rift, which has dominated political discourse in Rivers State for months, has involved disagreements over control of the state's political structure and governance direction.
By naming Fubara as the APC leader, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda has effectively taken a side in this local dispute, strengthening the governor's position. It signals the national APC's alignment with the sitting governor, potentially isolating Wike's faction within the state's political calculus.
The declaration has immediate implications for the balance of power in Rivers State. It consolidates Governor Fubara's authority by granting him the recognised leadership of the ruling party at the national level within his domain. For party members and aspirants in Rivers, the directive is clear: the governor is the central figure to coordinate with.
Looking ahead, the condition of winning party primaries sets the stage for the next political battle. It remains to be seen how this national endorsement will translate into local support during primary elections and whether it will prompt a realignment of forces within the Rivers State APC. One thing is certain: the political landscape in Rivers State has just received a major jolt from the national secretariat of the ruling party.
