By Ayo Kehinde
The Presidency has formally affirmed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, clarifying that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, holds no leadership rank within the party’s hierarchy.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, provided this clarification during an appearance on Channels Television’s Hard Copy on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Bwala noted that Wike, as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), cannot legally or politically steer the affairs of the APC.
“I agree with the point highlighted by 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 stated.
He further noted that while Wike remains a significant figure within the PDP, the APC operates under a strict structure that recognizes sitting governors as state leaders.
This position aligns with a recent declaration by the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who emphasized that the party accords governors the privilege of leading their respective state chapters to ensure cohesion.
Bwala noted that President Bola Tinubu respects these party procedures and the rule of law.
Addressing the political friction between the Governor and the FCT Minister, Bwala stated that Wike has been “adequately compensated” for his contributions to the administration with his ministerial appointment.
However, he warned that such compensation does not grant authority over party structures or the right to obstruct governance.
“The President believes in compensating people, but not at the expense of the interests of Nigeria. Once you cross the line, you will know,” he added.
On the renewed impeachment threats against the Governor by the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, the Presidency maintained that any such move must strictly adhere to constitutional requirements.
Bwala emphasized that the party stands against any attempt to prevent Fubara from governing, especially in the face of subsisting court orders halting the impeachment process.
The Rivers State chapter of the APC has welcomed the Presidency’s statement, describing it as a vindication of their stance that the Governor, who formally joined the party in December 2025, is the rightful leader of the progressive fold in the state.
