The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Yilwatda, has declared Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as the leader of the party in the state, putting to rest speculations over the party’s structure and leadership in Rivers. Yilwatda made the assertion while addressing party stakeholders, stressing that the APC recognises Governor Fubara as its political leader in the oil-rich state.

According to the APC chairman, Fubara’s position as the sitting governor naturally confers on him the responsibility of providing political direction for the party in Rivers, in line with established party tradition. He said the APC is focused on unity and cohesion at the state level and would not allow internal disputes to undermine its chances in future elections.

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Yilwatda further urged party members in Rivers to close ranks and work with the governor to strengthen the APC’s presence, noting that internal wrangling only benefits opposition parties. He emphasised that the national leadership of the APC would support any genuine reconciliation efforts aimed at building a formidable party structure in the state.

The declaration is expected to reshape political alignments within Rivers APC, especially amid ongoing tensions involving key political actors in the state. Observers say Yilwatda’s statement signals the party’s intention to stabilise its base in Rivers ahead of upcoming electoral contests.