The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has stated that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is the recognised leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, insisting that former governor Nyesom Wike has no membership or authority within the ruling party.
Bwala made the assertion during an appearance on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme on Friday, amid heightened political tension in Rivers State following impeachment moves against Governor Fubara by the State House of Assembly.
According to the presidential aide, the position of the APC leadership at the national level is clear and unambiguous.
He said Governor Fubara, as the sitting governor on the platform of the APC, remains the party’s leader in Rivers State.
Bwala dismissed claims that Wike plays any role within the APC, stressing that while the former governor may retain influence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers, such influence does not extend to the ruling party.
He explained that political leadership within a party is determined by membership and constitutional processes, not by personal influence or federal appointments.
On the ongoing impeachment efforts, Bwala said the APC has aligned itself with the rule of law, noting that court orders have already restrained further action against the governor.
He maintained that the party’s position is that Governor Fubara should be allowed to carry out his constitutional duties without interference.
Bwala added that President Tinubu fully supports due process and internal party procedures, stressing that the President respects the decisions of the APC leadership concerning party affairs in Rivers State.
Clarifying Wike’s role in the current administration, Bwala noted that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory serves the federal government and not the APC as a political organisation.
He cautioned against conflating federal appointments with party membership or leadership.
He further stated that President Tinubu rewards competence and service but does not allow personal interests to override constitutional order or party structures.
Governor Fubara defected from the PDP to the APC in December 2025 and has since been endorsed by the ruling party for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike, despite serving in an APC-led federal government, has not formally joined the party.
APC leaders have repeatedly maintained that Wike holds no official position within the party, reinforcing Governor Fubara’s status as the party’s leader in Rivers State.
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