The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has authoritatively settled the protracted leadership question within the party’s Rivers State chapter, declaring Governor Siminalayi Fubara as its undisputed leader.
Yilwatda made the definitive statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Hard Copy on Friday night, citing the party’s constitution as the ultimate authority on the matter.
“In all the states, we have the state governors that lead the party in their respective states,” the APC National Chairman stated, clarifying that this provision applies universally without exception.
According to Yilwatda, the APC Constitution explicitly recognizes governors in states where the party controls the government as the automatic leaders of the party structure at the state level.
While affirming Governor Fubara’s position, Yilwatda emphasized that party leaders are expected to foster inclusivity. “At the same time, we tell the governors who have leaders at the national level to respect inclusion,” he added, noting that Governor Fubara has already committed to and is demonstrating this principle in Rivers State.
The chairman also addressed the political future of Governor Fubara, stating that the party would fully support his re-election bid should he secure the APC ticket through the proper primary process. “If Siminalayi emerges as the candidate of the APC in Rivers State, I will stand by him,” Yilwatda affirmed.
In a move seen as directly addressing the state’s complex political dynamics, Yilwatda downplayed the involvement of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, in Rivers APC affairs. He pointed out that the minister is not a member of the APC, making discussions about his role unnecessary.
“He is not a member of the APC. There is no need to discuss what non-members do,” Yilwatda stated.
This decisive declaration by the APC national leadership is expected to quell weeks of internal speculation and public controversy stirred by rival factions, effectively consolidating Governor Fubara’s authority over the party’s structure in Rivers State.
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