ABUJA, Nigeria — In a move that further clarifies the shifting political landscape in Rivers State, a top aide to President Bola Tinubu declared Thursday that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the official leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, dismissing any claims of authority by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Hard Copy. He emphasized that while Wike serves in the federal cabinet, his lack of formal membership in the ruling party precludes him from party leadership.
“I agree with the point highlighted by the national chairman that in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC,” Bwala said. “Wike is not a member of APC, so he cannot speak for the APC.”
The clarification follows months of political volatility in Rivers State, including a fractured legislature and multiple attempts to impeach Fubara. The governor, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in December 2025, has since secured the APC’s endorsement for a 2027 second-term bid.
Bwala sought to draw a sharp line between Wike’s role as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the internal machinery of the APC. He noted that Wike remains tied to a faction of the PDP, even as he serves under a Tinubu-led administration.
“He may be the leader of the PDP in Rivers State because he was a former governor and they do not have a governor at the moment,” Bwala stated. “But in APC, the leader of the party in Rivers State is Governor Fubara.”
Addressing the President’s stance on the ongoing rift between the two men, Bwala said Tinubu is prioritizing party protocol and the legal process over personal political allegiances.
“The President believes in the rule of law and rule-based practice,” Bwala said. “With respect to party affairs, what the national chairman said is the position the President sticks to because he respects party procedure.”
The presidential aide also addressed the legislative efforts to oust Fubara, noting that the party’s stance is one of non-interference with the governor’s mandate.
On Governance: Bwala stated the governor must be “allowed to govern without interference.”
On Court Mandates: He referenced existing judicial orders that have stalled impeachment proceedings, asserting that “nobody should stop Fubara from governing the state.”
On Presidential Favour: While acknowledging Wike’s role in the cabinet, Bwala dismissed suggestions that the minister holds “undue influence,” noting that Tinubu’s rewards for performance do not supersede national interest.
“The President believes in compensating people, but not at the expense of the interest of Nigeria,” Bwala added.
As of late Thursday, neither Minister Wike nor his representatives had issued a formal response to Bwala’s comments.
