Fubara Is APC Leader in Rivers, Wike Has No Standing in Party, Says Tinubu’s Aide

The presidency has delivered a sharp clarification on who truly leads the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State — and it leaves no room for doubt. Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the recognised APC leader in Rivers State, and former governor and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, despite his prominence, has no standing within the APC. This position was emphatically stated by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and it defines the balance of power in a state wracked by political tensions and competing influences. [Source]

January 23, 2026 — Port Harcourt, Rivers State

On January 22 and 23, 2026, national attention turned to Rivers State as Bwala appeared on Channels Television’s current affairs programme Hard Copy and publicly backed the APC hierarchy in the state. Speaking from the studio with the political crisis unfolding back home, he reiterated that Fubara is the party’s leader in Rivers, while affirming that Wike is not a member of the APC and therefore cannot speak for or lead the party. [Source]

Bwala emphasised that President Tinubu and APC national leadership support this position because it aligns with the party’s constitution and democratic norms. He also clarified that Wike’s influence in Rivers politics stems from his role within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), not the APC. [Source]

President Tinubu’s Position: Rule of Law and Party Structure

President Bola Tinubu’s administration, through Bwala, has made a clear statement about how party leadership should be understood in Rivers State. According to Bwala, the APC respects its internal procedures and the rule of law, and this dictates that the governor of a state is the leader of the party at the state level. [Source]

Bwala told viewers that he agreed with the APC National Chairman — Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda — on this point. Yilwatda had earlier stated that APC governors are the recognised leaders of the party in their respective states, and this position now carries the backing of the presidency. [Source]

The president’s support for the party’s rules over personal influence addresses deep fissures in Rivers politics. Fubara’s authority in the APC now rests on formal recognition by the party’s national leadership and the federal government, not just on rhetoric or local alliances. [Source]

Wike’s Status: Federal Position, Not APC Standing

Daniel Bwala was careful to distinguish between governmental influence and party membership. He acknowledged that Nyesom Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and current FCT Minister, may retain clout through his history and networks. But within the APC’s legal and constitutional framework, that influence does not translate into leadership status. [Source]

Bwala stated clearly that Wike is not a member of the APC. This point is crucial because membership status determines the right to speak for or lead the party. Simply holding federal office does not grant party authority. [Source]

He reinforced this point by noting that while Wike might be influential within the PDP, that role does not cross over into the APC’s organisational structure. This means Wike cannot claim party leadership in Rivers or dictate APC decisions in the state. [Source]

The Political Backdrop: Tension and Impeachment Attempts

The presidency’s clarification comes at a tense moment in Rivers State governance. Impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara were underway in the Rivers State House of Assembly, escalating the political crisis. [Source]

Bwala stressed that Fubara must be allowed to govern without undue interference, pointing to court orders that have temporarily halted impeachment efforts. He noted that any political moves must respect constitutional process and the rule of law. [Source]

The announcement coincided with rising rhetoric in the state, and political commentators have linked the feud between Fubara and Wike to more than policy disagreements. Many see it as a battle for control over Rivers State’s rich political and economic landscape. [Source]

Reactions Within the APC

The Rivers State APC chapter welcomed the presidency’s position, framing it as vindication of the party’s long-held beliefs about its internal leadership dynamics. Party officials expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for reinforcing the constitutional position and rejecting attempts to blur the lines between government roles and party roles. [Source]

In an official statement, the APC thanked the presidency for reaffirming Fubara’s position as the legitimate leader of the party in Rivers. The party also described the clarification as consistent with its rules and democratic practice. [Source]

Wider Political Implications

Political analysts see the presidency’s clarification as part of a broader strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections. With Rivers State considered a battleground and a key contributor of electoral votes, solidifying party leadership matters. [Source]

Fubara’s leadership may help the APC build organisational discipline and prevent internal fragmentation that could harm the party’s electoral chances. Conversely, Wike’s lack of standing within the APC means his influence must be channelled through other avenues, such as his legacy networks and roles in broader governance. [Source]

What This Means for Rivers State Politics

Governor Fubara’s position as APC leader in Rivers is now backed by:

• The APC National Chairman’s declaration. [Source]
• The presidency’s full endorsement via Daniel Bwala. [Source]
• The legal process that protects his mandate. [Source]

These three pillars give Fubara a stronger platform to lead the APC in a state that has been deeply divided along political lines.

Wike can still be politically active, especially in his capacity as FCT Minister and former governor. But his inability to lead or speak for the APC in Rivers State limits his role in that party’s internal decisions. [Source]

Conclusion

The statement that Fubara is the APC leader in Rivers State and that Wike has no standing within that party marks a clear turning point. This clarification, issued by President Tinubu’s aide, settles a major area of contention in one of Nigeria’s most politically charged states. [Source]

As political actors and citizens watch how the situation evolves, this moment will likely influence not just local governance but national debates about party authority, leadership legitimacy, and the rule of law as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 elections. [Source]

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