Fubara Is APC Leader in Rivers, Support for Second Term Depends on Primaries — National Chairman

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has described Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the party in Rivers State, while making his support for the governor’s second-term bid conditional on the outcome of the party’s primaries.

Yilwatda’s statement comes against the backdrop of renewed political tension between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over control of the political structure in Rivers State.

After defecting to the APC, Fubara had publicly declared himself the number one member of the party in the state. Wike, however, rejected the claim, insisting that he retains control of the state’s political structure, citing cooperation between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party in support of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, Yilwatda acknowledged Fubara’s position within the party but emphasized the need for inclusive leadership.

“Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he must work with all stakeholders in the state,” Yilwatda said.

He added that the party’s internal democratic process would determine his support during the governorship race.

“I do not decide who emerges from the primaries. If Fubara wins the APC primary, I will support him. If he does not, I will respect the outcome and support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate,” he stated.