The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified why Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has not yet received a formal reception into the party.
Speaking on TVC on Sunday, February 8, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda said the delay is part of a strategic approach to manage regional sensitivities, particularly in northern states.
“We have Kano we’re preparing for. In politics, we chose to prioritise the north first because Ramadan is approaching, and most people there are Muslims,” Yilwatda explained. “Many northern communities are sensitive to this period, so we decided to settle northern governors before moving to the south, where Ramadan is not an issue.”
He stressed that the delay does not reflect any lack of authority on Fubara’s part. “These are strategies that acknowledge the sensitivities of each community. It has nothing to do with Siminalayi Fubara not having authority,” he said.
Addressing claims that Fubara may be struggling to assert control as APC leader in Rivers State, Yilwatda rejected the suggestion, asking for evidence of any formal complaint.
“Who complained? What petition? I want you to show me one petition. Has anyone lodged anything?” he asked. “When there’s no formal complaint, the media should not invent one and act as the judge and jury at the same time.”
On questions about support groups reportedly backing Wike under President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, the chairman said such groups are independent of APC’s official structures. “Support groups are separate from party activities. They do not operate under the office of the party chairman,” he clarified.
The questions surrounding Fubara’s leadership follow a long-running political crisis in Rivers State. His relationship with former governor Nyesom Wike deteriorated after a 2023 power struggle, which at one point led President Tinubu to declare a six-month state of emergency in the state.
Fubara formally joined the APC on December 9, 2025, in a move widely viewed as part of his preparation for a second-term bid in 2027 and an effort to consolidate political support following his fallout with Wike.