Rivers APC State Assembly Forum Endorses Fubara, Affirms Party Leadership and Backs APC National Working Committee

The political crisis in Rivers State took a dramatic new turn on January 7, 2026, following the open declaration of support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Assembly Forum (ASAF). In a strongly worded statement issued from Kaduna, the forum not only endorsed Governor Fubara as the undisputed leader of the APC in Rivers State but also passed a vote of confidence on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), thereby reinforcing the authority of the party’s national leadership in the face of growing internal and external tensions.

ASAF, which comprises all elected and serving APC members of state assemblies across the country, aligned itself firmly with the position earlier taken by the APC NWC. The party leadership had declared that Governor Fubara, following his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, automatically assumes the position of party leader in Rivers State, in line with the APC constitution and long-established party tradition. This pronouncement has intensified the political rivalry between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Governor Fubara’s defection from the PDP has remained controversial, particularly because Wike accused him of violating a political agreement allegedly reached and signed in the presence of President Bola Tinubu. That agreement reportedly followed a turbulent period in Rivers State politics, including a six-month state of emergency that led to Fubara’s temporary suspension before his reinstatement. Wike’s insistence that Fubara breached this pact has fueled sharp exchanges and power struggles within the state and beyond.

The situation escalated further when the APC NWC publicly distanced itself from Wike, stressing that the FCT minister is not a member of the APC and therefore lacks the standing to interfere in the party’s internal affairs. Matters came to a head after Wike reportedly threatened the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, over the party’s rejection of claims by the APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom. Giadom had argued that Fubara could not be recognized as APC leader in Rivers State or contest re-election on the party’s platform without Wike’s backing—an assertion the NWC firmly dismissed.

In its statement, signed by ASAF Director-General Ambassador Fubara Dagogo, the forum described the APC as a party guided by clear rules and a well-defined constitution. It praised the NWC, led by Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, for providing decisive and unambiguous leadership at a critical moment. According to ASAF, the declarations made by the APC National Chairman and National Secretary were consistent with the party’s constitution and left no room for ambiguity over leadership in Rivers State.

ASAF urged Governor Fubara and the NWC to remain focused and ignore distractions from individuals it described as non-party members attempting to sow discord within the APC. The forum also encouraged the governor to continue with what it called his commendable performance in office, noting that his governance style and policies have earned him significant public support within Rivers State.

Beyond Rivers politics, the forum issued a broader warning ahead of the 2027 general elections. It cautioned APC members nationwide to be vigilant against alleged infiltration attempts by opposition figures seeking to destabilize the ruling party. According to ASAF, such efforts are often disguised as support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid but are, in reality, aimed at weakening party unity.

The endorsement of Governor Fubara by ASAF has further polarized opinion within and outside Rivers State. While supporters view it as a decisive blow against attempts to undermine his authority, critics argue that political realities on the ground—particularly legislative numbers and entrenched loyalties—will ultimately determine the outcome of the power struggle. Nevertheless, ASAF’s intervention underscores a significant shift in the balance of forces, signaling that the APC’s national leadership is firmly backing Governor Fubara as the legitimate party leader in Rivers State, setting the stage for an intense political contest as 2027 draws closer.