Fubara is APC Leader in Rivers State — Wike Adequately Compensated, Says Tinubu’s Aide Bwala

By Emmanuel Kwada

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Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has reaffirmed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains the undisputed leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, aligning fully with the position of the party’s national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

Bwala made the declaration during an appearance on Channels Television’s current affairs programme, emphasizing that former Rivers Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is not a member of the APC and therefore cannot speak for or lead the party in the state.

“I agree with the point highlighted by the national chairman that in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC,” Bwala stated.

“Wike is not a member of the APC, so he cannot speak for the party. He may be regarded as a leader within the PDP in Rivers State, having been a former governor, but the APC leader in the state is Governor Fubara.”

Addressing widespread perceptions of Wike’s influence within the Tinubu administration, Bwala clarified that the FCT Minister has been “adequately compensated” for his contributions, but such recognition does not extend to overriding party structures or national interests.

“Wike has been adequately compensated. The president believes in compensating people, but not at the expense of the interest of Nigeria,” he added.

The remarks come against the backdrop of escalating political tensions in Rivers State, where the House of Assembly is pursuing impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.

The crisis has been marked by a renewed war of words between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, who has maintained significant sway over political developments in the oil-rich state despite defecting to support Tinubu’s presidential bid in 2023.

Bwala stressed that President Tinubu is committed to upholding the rule of law, constitutional order, and party discipline, insisting that no one should interfere with Fubara’s ability to govern effectively.

The Rivers State chapter of the APC has welcomed the presidency’s clarification as a vindication of its stance, describing it as a reaffirmation of the party’s constitution and a correction to misleading narratives.

The development signals a clearer stance from the presidency amid the prolonged Rivers political crisis, potentially shifting dynamics in the state’s power struggle and reinforcing Fubara’s position within the ruling party.