The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has spoken on the growing political tension in Rivers State.
He addressed the leadership dispute involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Yilwatda made it clear that Governor Fubara is now recognised as the leader of the APC in Rivers State.
His comment comes at a time when political alignments in the state are becoming more intense ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Rivers crisis has been fueled by the fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. The disagreement has spilled into party politics, especially after Fubara’s move to the APC. After joining the party, the governor publicly declared himself as the “001” of the APC in the state.
Wike, however, rejected that claim. He insisted that he still controls the political structure in Rivers State.
The former governor also argued that the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are working together in the state to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Reacting to the situation, Yilwatda took a firm but measured position. He acknowledged Fubara’s status in the party but stressed that leadership must be inclusive.
According to him, no individual can run the party in isolation.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, Yilwatda said: “Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he would need to coordinate with every other person in the state.”
He also clarified his role ahead of the party’s primaries. The APC chairman said personal loyalty would not influence his decision. He stressed that the party’s internal democratic process would determine who gets his backing.
“I don’t choose who to support in the state’s primary election. If Fubara emerges as the APC candidate, I’ll support him,” Yilwatda stated.
He added that the party would stand by whoever emerges victorious at the primaries, regardless of personal preferences.
“If he loses the primary, I’ll sympathise with him and go with the person who wins the primary election,” he said.
Yilwatda’s remarks signal that Fubara’s chances of securing a second term under the APC will depend strictly on the party’s primary election.
It also suggests that the Rivers political battle is far from over, as key actors continue to assert influence.
