The All Progressives Congress says it has not formally welcomed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara into the party yet because of “regional sensitivities,” not because he lacks authority or support, the party’s national chairman said Sunday.
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda told TVC News the delay is part of a careful plan to manage political dynamics, especially in northern states.
“So these are strategies and also acknowledge the sensitivity of each community. That’s the reason we took that decision,” he said. “It has nothing to do with Siminalayi Fubara not having authority.”
Fubara formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC in December 2025, a move widely viewed as a major realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His defection followed earlier defections of some Rivers lawmakers to the ruling party, and he has described the switch as part of his commitment to stability and good governance.
Despite joining the APC, Fubara’s official induction ceremony into the party has not taken place, prompting questions from political observers.
Some critics have even said there are internal disagreements or factional struggles within the Rivers APC that have slowed the process.
Yilwatda also downplayed suggestions that powerful figures such as FCT Minister Nyesom Wike are influencing the situation, saying the APC leadership is focused on its own members and unity.
“Wike is in the PDP… Allow me to discuss members of my party, not non-members,” he said.
The party insists that once sensitivities are addressed and agreements reached, Fubara’s welcome into the APC will be formalised — a step expected to shape political alignment in the oil-rich Rivers State ahead of the 2027 polls.
