NIGERIA: Tinubu Reaffirms Governor Fubara As APC Leader In Rivers State, Says Wike Has Been Adequately Compensated

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

President Bola Tinubu has firmly reaffirmed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, dismissing any claims by former Governor Nyesom Wike to speak for the party in the state.

The position was articulated by the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme on Thursday, January 23, 2026. Bwala aligned himself with the stance of APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who has consistently maintained that sitting governors serve as party leaders at the state level.

“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 clarified that while Wike may hold leadership status within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the APC leadership in Rivers rests exclusively with Fubara.

The clarification comes against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in Rivers State, including ongoing impeachment proceedings initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Fubara, amid a protracted rift with his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Bwala stressed that President Tinubu remains committed to upholding party procedures, the rule of law, and due process. “What the national chairman said is the position the president sticks to, because he respects party procedures. The president believes in the rule of law and due process, and the party will always respect that,” he said.

Addressing public concerns about Wike’s continued influence within the federal government despite the rift, Bwala noted: “We’ve heard people complain that as a cabinet member, Wike enjoys certain benefits. Wike has been adequately compensated. The president believes in compensating people, but not at the expense of the interest of Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu gives latitude, but once you cross the line, you will know.”

On the impeachment process, Bwala emphasised respect for constitutional requirements and existing court orders halting the move. “When you ask who is the leader of the party, the answer is the governor. The impeachment procedure must be consistent with the practice of law and constitutional requirements. The governor will deal with it. There are court orders stopping the impeachment, and the party is clear: nobody should stop Fubara from governing Rivers State,” he added.

The Rivers State chapter of the APC swiftly welcomed the presidential clarification. In a statement, the party described it as a vindication of its position and alignment with the national leadership under Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Senator (Dr) Ajibola Basiru.

“This Presidential clarification has once again vindicated our uncompromising stand on this matter and aligns with the policy thrust of our national party leadership,” the statement read. “This timely reaffirmation justifies the position of Rivers State APC on the position of the state Governor, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara as leader of our party in Rivers State.”

The party further urged the National Working Committee to expedite congresses for electing new leadership at ward, local government, and state levels to resolve internal contending interests. It also called on Governor Fubara to immediately convene a stakeholders’ meeting to chart the party’s future dir

ection in the state.