…says Wike not APC member, can’t speak for party in Rivers
President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his support for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, saying the governor must be allowed to perform the duties of his office without any undue interference.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Communication, Daniel Bwala, conveyed Tinubu’s message while speaking on Channels Television’s current affairs programme, Hard Copy.
He stated that the party structure in Rivers State is clear.
Bwala said, “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 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.”
The presidential spokesperson stressed that President Tinubu believes strongly in the rule of law and best democratic practices, adding that the APC respects internal party procedures.
“What the National Chairman said is what the party stands by because he respects party procedures. The President believes in the rule of law and due process, and the party will always respect that,” he added.
Speaking further on Wike’s influence within the Federal Government, Bwala noted that while the FCT minister has been adequately compensated for his role, such privileges do not override national interest.
He added, “We’ve heard people complain that as a cabinet member, Wike enjoys certain benefits.
“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.”
On the ongoing political tension in Rivers State, he further said the matter between Wike and Governor Fubara is being handled within the framework of the law.
Bwala added, “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.
“There are court orders stopping the impeachment, and the party is clear: nobody should stop Governor Fubara from governing Rivers State.”
He stressed that the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is not a member of the ruling APC and therefore cannot speak on its behalf.
In addition, he noted that Tinubu’s approach applies across party lines.
“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.”
According to him, this position reflects President Tinubu’s broader commitment to democratic stability, party discipline, and constitutional governance nationwide.
