APC National Chairman Confirms Rivers Governor Fubara As Party Leader
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the party’s leader in the state.
APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda made the announcement on Friday during Channels Television’s Hard Copy, stating that the party’s constitution gives governors of APC-controlled states the authority to lead the party locally.
“In all the states, the governors lead the party in their respective areas,” Yilwatda said, adding that governors are expected to involve all stakeholders—a standard Fubara is already following in Rivers.
He also stressed that governors should respect inclusion at the national level.
Addressing Fubara’s second-term ambitions, Yilwatda said the party would support him if he emerges as the APC candidate through primaries conducted by duly accredited delegates.
“If Siminalayi emerges as the APC candidate in Rivers State, I will stand by him,” he said.
The clarification comes amid speculation about party leadership in Rivers State. Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in December, citing loyalty to President Bola Tinubu.
“The truth is, without Mr. President, there wouldn’t be any His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara; it would have been the former governor,” Fubara said.
He added, “We have the people, we have the supporters. Our only thank-you to Mr. President is to support him fully. We cannot support the President if we don’t fully identify with him. Today, we have decided: we are moving to APC.”
