President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the recognised leader of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, while firmly stating that former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, holds no authority within the ruling party.
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Bwala made this declaration on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme on Thursday, amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State, where lawmakers loyal to Wike have initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, on allegations of gross misconduct, financial mismanagement, and constitutional breaches.
Speaking on the prolonged political struggle between the governor and the FCT minister over control of political structures in the state, Bwala emphasized that the national leadership of the APC has settled the matter conclusively.
“I agree with the point highlighted by the national chairman [Nentawe Yilwatda] that in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State. Wike is not a member of APC, so he cannot speak for the APC,” the presidential adviser stated categorically.
He further clarified the extent of Wike’s political influence: “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, but in APC, the leader of the party in Rivers State is Governor Fubara.”
Bwala revealed that President Tinubu’s position aligns perfectly with the party’s internal rules and constitutional procedures, demonstrating the president’s commitment to institutional respect.
“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 explained.
The presidential aide emphasized that Tinubu’s approach extends beyond partisan considerations, noting that the president respects the rights of states governed by opposition parties.
“Even where the APC may want to challenge them, he believes that a governor, regardless of party, should be allowed to govern,” Bwala added.
Addressing concerns about Wike’s position as a cabinet member and whether this confers any special status within the party hierarchy, Bwala drew a clear distinction between governmental and party responsibilities.
He described Wike as serving the Federal Government, not the APC, making it clear that ministerial appointment does not translate into party leadership in any state.
“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,” Bwala warned.
He reiterated this point more forcefully: “The President believes in compensating people, but not at the expense of the interest of Nigeria. He will give you latitude and privilege, but not at the expense of what is right.”
On the impeachment moves initiated by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike, Bwala stated unequivocally that the party expects the governor to be allowed to discharge his constitutional responsibilities without obstruction.
“There have been orders of court that stopped impeachment. The party is clear. Nobody should stop Fubara from governing the state,” he declared.
The presidential adviser called on all stakeholders to respect constitutional processes, noting that the APC’s recognition of Fubara as party leader has definitively settled the dispute within the state.
Governor Fubara joined the APC in December 2025 after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, marking a significant political realignment in Rivers State. The governor has already been endorsed for a second term in 2027, signaling strong party support for his administration.
This recent development represents a major shift in the political dynamics of Rivers State, where Wike previously wielded considerable influence through his control of party structures during his tenure as governor.
The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, over control of political structures of both the APC and the PDP in the state.
The disagreement recently escalated when members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike commenced impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy on grounds of alleged gross misconduct, including claims of financial mismanagement and constitutional breaches.
However, court orders have been issued to halt the impeachment process, which the Presidency and the APC national leadership have acknowledged and supported.
The Presidency’s clear backing of Fubara represents a significant assertion of party hierarchy and constitutional order over personal political interests. It sends a strong message that holding a federal ministerial position does not grant automatic influence over party affairs in individual states.
The declaration also reinforces the principle that sitting governors remain the recognized leaders of their party in their respective states, a position earlier articulated by the APC National Chairman.
This stance effectively neutralizes any attempt by Wike to leverage his federal appointment or past gubernatorial status to interfere with current governance in Rivers State, setting a precedent for how such conflicts should be resolved within the party structure.
The Presidency’s intervention demonstrates President Tinubu’s willingness to uphold institutional frameworks even when it involves restraining members of his own cabinet, thereby reinforcing his commitment to constitutional governance and party discipline.
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