The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the party in Rivers State, but with a clear condition for supporting his second-term ambition.
Yilwatda said the APC would back Fubara for a second term only if the governor emerges as the party’s candidate through a transparent primary election. His statement comes at a time of renewed political tension in Rivers State, especially between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike.
The Rivers political space has been heated in recent months due to a struggle for control of party structures and influence ahead of future elections. The rivalry has drawn national attention because both men are key political figures, not just in the state but also at the national level.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s programme, Hard Copy, Yilwatda made it clear that while Fubara is recognised as the party leader in the state, he must work with others and follow due process within the party.
“Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he would need to coordinate with every other person in the state,” Yilwatda said.
He added that the party would not impose candidates on Rivers people.
“I don’t choose who to support in the state’s primary election. If Fubara emerges as the APC candidate, I’ll support him,” the APC chairman stated.
Yilwatda further explained that the party would respect the outcome of its internal democratic process.
“If he loses the primary, I’ll sympathise with him and go with the person who wins the primary election,” he said.
Rivers State has long been known for its intense political battles. The state is one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing regions and has strong political influence in the South-South zone. Control of Rivers politics is often seen as a key advantage ahead of national elections.
Governor Sim Fubara, who assumed office in 2023, was initially seen as a close ally of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Wike served as governor of Rivers State for eight years before becoming the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Bola Tinubu.
However, not long after Fubara took office, cracks began to appear in the relationship between the two men. What started as quiet disagreements soon grew into open political conflict, involving lawmakers, party officials, and supporters across the state.
The crisis led to divisions within the Rivers State House of Assembly and affected governance in the state. Several attempts by elders, traditional rulers, and national leaders to reconcile both camps have so far failed to bring lasting peace.
According to reports, Governor Fubara recently defected to the APC, a move that further changed the political calculations in Rivers State. Following this development, the governor reportedly declared himself as “001” of the APC in the state, suggesting that he is the party’s top leader in Rivers.
This claim did not go down well with Wike, who dismissed Fubara’s position. Wike insisted that he still controls the major political structure in Rivers State.
The former governor argued that the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reached an understanding in Rivers to support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027. Based on this alliance, Wike believes he remains a key power broker in the state.
Wike’s camp maintains that political loyalty and long-standing structures cannot be easily swept aside by defection or position.
The statement by APC National Chairman Yilwatda appears to be an attempt to balance interests and reduce tension within the party. By recognising Fubara as the leader while insisting on cooperation and internal democracy, the party leadership seems keen to avoid deep divisions ahead of future elections.
Yilwatda’s comments also send a strong message that no individual, regardless of position, will be handed the party ticket without contest.
“The APC is trying to show that it respects its rules and will not force anyone on the party,” said a Port Harcourt-based political observer. “But managing the egos involved will not be easy.”
Although the next governorship election in Rivers State is still some time away, the battle lines are already being drawn. The 2027 general elections are expected to be highly competitive, and Rivers State will play an important role.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to seek re-election, and support from influential states like Rivers will be crucial. This explains why alliances across party lines are being discussed and why the struggle for control is intense.
For Governor Fubara, securing the APC ticket would be a major step toward a second term. However, he will need to convince party members and leaders that he can unite the party and win elections.
For Wike, maintaining influence in Rivers politics remains a top priority. As a senior member of the federal government, his role in shaping political outcomes cannot be ignored.
As things stand, Rivers State remains politically tense. Supporters of both camps continue to trade words, while residents watch closely to see how events will unfold.
The APC leadership’s position suggests that the party wants peace and fairness, but the reality on the ground may prove more complex.
Whether Governor Fubara and Minister Wike can find common ground, or whether the rivalry will deepen, remains to be seen. What is clear is that Rivers State will remain a key battleground in Nigeria’s political landscape in the coming years.