The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has officially confirmed that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the recognized leader of the party in the state.
Yilwatda made the clarification on Friday during an interview with Newsmen, emphasizing that the party’s constitution clearly designates governors of APC-controlled states as leaders of the party within their respective states.
“In all the states, we have the state governors leading the party in their respective states,” he said.
The APC National Chairman, however, stressed that governors are encouraged to engage all stakeholders, noting that Governor Fubara has already demonstrated a commitment to inclusive leadership in Rivers State.
“At the same time, we advise governors who have national-level leaders to respect inclusion and bring all voices together,” Yilwatda added.
On the question of Governor Fubara’s potential second-term bid, Yilwatda stated that the party would support him if he emerges as the APC’s candidate through a primary election conducted by duly accredited delegates.
“If Siminalayi emerges as the APC candidate in Rivers State, I will stand by him,” he affirmed.
The National Chairman also addressed speculation regarding the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, noting that the minister is not a member of the APC and therefore should not be involved in the party’s internal affairs.
Yilwatda’s statement effectively puts to rest controversies and political noise generated by disgruntled elements and opposition figures attempting to create confusion within Rivers State.
“Discussions concerning non-members of the party are unnecessary,” he concluded.
