APC National Chairman Affirms Fubara As Party Leader In Rivers

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has clarified that the Governor of Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara, is the leader of the party in the state.

Yilwatda made the clarification on Friday night while speaking on Channels Television’s news and current affairs programme, Hard Copy. Live TV streaming

According to the APC National Chairman, the position is clearly provided for in the APC Constitution, which recognizes governors of party-controlled states as leaders of the party in their respective states without exception.

“In all the states, we have the state governors that lead the party in their respective states,” he said.

He, however, emphasized that governors are encouraged to carry all stakeholders along, a commitment Governor Fubara has already made and is already demonstrating in Rivers State.

“At the same time, we tell the governors who have leaders at the national level to respect inclusion,” he added.

On the issue of Governor Fubara’s second-term bid, Yilwatda stated that the APC would support and work for the governor’s re-election if he emerges as the party’s candidate through the primary process, a process that can only be determined by duly accredited party delegates.

“If Siminalayi emerges as the candidate of the APC in Rivers State, I will stand by him,” he said.

The APC National Chairman also downplayed the visible interest of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in the affairs of the party in Rivers State, noting that the minister is not a member of the APC.

He said discussions concerning non-members of the party are unnecessary.

His statement effectively puts to rest the controversies stirred by political crisis entrepreneurs—many of whom are either disgruntled elements or opposition figures—seeking to create confusion and unnecessary debate within the state.