Presidency Reaffirms Fubara as APC Leader in Rivers, Says Wike Has No Party Authority

Abuja, 23 January 2026 – The Federal Government has publicly endorsed Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, dismissing assertions that his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, holds influence within the ruling party.

The clarification was made by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy and Communication to President Bola Tinubu, during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme amid heightened political tensions in the coastal state.

Bwala emphasised that while Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of Rivers, retains clout among supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he is not an APC member and therefore cannot speak or act on behalf of the ruling party in the state.

“I agree with 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 party,” Bwala said, underscoring alignment with the position taken by the APC’s national leadership.

The presidential aide reiterated that President Tinubu respects the rule of law, internal party processes and democratic norms, and expects these principles to guide political conduct at both state and federal levels.

Bwala also addressed perceptions of Wike’s influence within the federal government, stating that appointments in national offices should not be conflated with authority over party structures. According to him, while Wike may enjoy certain privileges, these do not supersede the interest of the nation or the APC’s internal regulations.

The endorsement is seen as significant against the backdrop of a deepening political crisis in Rivers, including moves in the state House of Assembly towards impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. National APC figures have also reiterated that non-members have no locus in party affairs, a stance endorsed by state party leaders.

Rivers APC officials have welcomed the presidency’s stance, hailing it as a clarification consistent with the party’s constitution and internal hierarchy.

The dispute highlights ongoing frictions between political heavyweights in Rivers State and broader debates over party leadership, loyalty and governance amid Nigeria’s shifting political landscape.