Wike vs Fubara; Presidency reveals APC leader in Rivers State

Wike vs Fubara; Presidency reveals APC leader in Rivers State

Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication, has said the president shares the position of the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on who controls the party structure in Rivers State.

His comments come against the backdrop of the ongoing impeachment moves against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the renewed political tensions between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Earlier this month, the APC national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, declared that Fubara remains the leader of the party in Rivers State.

He explained that, in line with party tradition, sitting governors are recognised as leaders of their respective state chapters, while also calling for inclusiveness and respect for other stakeholders.

Speaking on Hard Copy, a Channels Television programme, Bwala said the president supports this stance and believes the governor should not be hindered in the discharge of his responsibilities.

He also dismissed suggestions that Wike holds influence within the APC in Rivers, stressing that the former governor’s political relevance in the state is confined to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“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,” he said.

“He may be regarded as a leader within the PDP in Rivers state, having been a former governor, but the APC leader in the state is Governor Fubara.”

Bwala said Tinubu’s position reflects respect for party rules and democratic values.

“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.

He also addressed public concerns over Wike’s role in the federal government, noting that political appointments do not override national interest.

“We’ve heard people complain that as a cabinet member, Wike enjoys certain benefits,” he said.

“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 further said the lingering dispute between Wike and Fubara was already being managed, adding that legal and constitutional processes must guide any impeachment action.

“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,” he added.

“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.

“The president even respects the rights of states governed by the PDP. Even where the APC may want to challenge them, he believes that a governor, regardless of party, should be allowed to govern.”

He concluded that the president’s position underscores his commitment to democratic stability, constitutional order and internal party discipline nationwide.