Fubara, Not Wike, Is APC Leader In Rivers State — Presidency Clarifies
President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the recognised leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, firmly dismissing claims that former governor Nyesom Wike holds any authority within the ruling party.
Bwala made the clarification on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme on Thursday, against the backdrop of escalating political tensions in Rivers State, where the House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.
According to Bwala, the position of the APC national leadership is unequivocal: Fubara is the party’s leader in Rivers State, while Wike is not a member of the APC and therefore lacks the standing to speak or act on its behalf.
“I agree with the position of the national chairman that in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC. Wike is not a member of the APC, so he cannot speak for the APC,” Bwala said.
He added that while Wike may wield influence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a former governor, such influence does not extend to the APC.
“He may be the leader of the PDP in Rivers State because they do not currently have a governor, but in the APC, the leader is Governor Fubara,” he stated.
Bwala further stressed that President Tinubu supports internal party democracy, constitutionalism and respect for the rule of law, noting that the APC leadership has made its stance on the Rivers situation clear.
Addressing the impeachment moves against Fubara, the presidential aide warned against actions that undermine due process, pointing out that court orders restraining impeachment proceedings are already in place.
“There have been orders of court stopping impeachment. The party is clear on this matter. Nobody should stop Governor Fubara from governing Rivers State,” he said.
Bwala also dismissed suggestions that Wike’s position as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory grants him influence within the APC, describing the role as one of service to the Federal Government rather than party leadership.
Read Also: Rivers Chief Judge Declines Assembly Request To Probe Governor Fubara
“The President believes in rewarding people, but not at the expense of Nigeria’s interest or what is right,” he said.
Calling for restraint among political actors, Bwala urged stakeholders to respect constitutional processes, adding that the APC’s recognition of Fubara as its leader in Rivers effectively settles the party’s internal position.
Governor Fubara formally joined the APC in December 2025 after defecting from the PDP and has since been endorsed for a second term in 2027.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing allegations of gross misconduct, including financial impropriety and constitutional violations.