The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has officially confirmed that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is the undisputed leader of the party in the state. Yilwatda provided this clarification during an interview on Friday night on Channels Television’s programme, Hard Copy.
Yilwatda explained that the party’s constitution is explicit on the matter. He stated that in every state where the APC holds the governorship, the governor is automatically recognized as the party leader. He emphasized that this rule applies without exception, thereby validating Fubara’s authority within the Rivers State chapter.
“In all the states, we have the state governors that lead the party in their respective states,” Yilwatda stated. However, he urged governors to practice inclusivity by carrying other stakeholders along in their administration and party affairs. He noted that Governor Fubara has already expressed commitment to this principle.
Addressing the upcoming election cycle, the Chairman assured that the national body would support Fubara’s re-election bid for a second term, provided he emerges as the candidate through the proper primary process. He insisted that the choice of candidate rests with the party delegates.
Significantly, Yilwatda brushed aside questions regarding the influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the state’s APC affairs. He pointed out that Wike is not a member of the APC, and therefore, discussions concerning him within the party framework are unnecessary. This statement aims to settle the lingering leadership tussle and confusion often stirred by political actors in the state.
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