Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has said the president aligns with the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the leadership structure in Rivers State, insisting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains the party’s leader in the state.
Bwala’s comments come amid escalating political tensions in Rivers, where the state House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara, while the rivalry between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, continues to intensify.
Earlier this month, the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, declared that governors naturally lead their parties at the state level, urging them to uphold inclusiveness and avoid sidelining other stakeholders.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, Bwala said Fubara should be given the space to perform his constitutional duties without external interference.
“I agree with the point highlighted by the national chairman that in Rivers state, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC. Wike is not a member of the APC, so he cannot speak for the party,” he said.
“He may be regarded as a leader within the PDP in Rivers state, having been a former governor, but the APC leader in the state is Governor Fubara.”
According to Bwala, Tinubu’s stance reflects adherence to party rules and democratic norms.
“What the national chairman said is the position the president sticks to, because he respects party procedures. The president believes in the rule of law and due process, and the party will always respect that,” he said.
Bwala also dismissed claims that Wike’s position in the federal cabinet grants him overriding political authority, stressing that appointments must not undermine national interest.
“We’ve heard people complain that as a cabinet member, Wike enjoys certain benefits,” he said.
“Wike has been adequately compensated. The president believes in compensating people, but not at the expense of the interest of Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu gives latitude, but once you cross the line, you will know.”
He further noted that the ongoing political standoff between Wike and Fubara is under control.
“When you ask who is the leader of the party, the answer is the governor. The impeachment procedure must be consistent with the practice of law and constitutional requirements,” he said.
“The governor will deal with it. There are court orders stopping the impeachment, and the party is clear: nobody should stop Fubara from governing Rivers state.”
Bwala added that Tinubu’s approach applies even to opposition-led states.
“The president even respects the rights of states governed by the PDP. Even where the APC may want to challenge them, he believes that a governor, regardless of party, should be allowed to govern.”
He concluded that the president’s position underscores his commitment to democratic stability, constitutional order and party discipline nationwide.
