Rivers APC Demands Party Congresses Amid Leadership Dispute

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Emeka Beke has renewed calls for internal party reorganisation, citing a recent presidential clarification which it says confirms Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the rightful leader of the party in the state.

In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, the party said remarks attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Mr Daniel Bwala, had put to rest lingering controversies over the leadership of the APC in Rivers State.

According to the party, the clarification reflects established APC practice that accords party leadership at the state level to sitting APC governors.

The Rivers APC said the position of the President aligns with the national party’s management philosophy under the leadership of the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator (Dr) Ajibola Basiru, noting that such structure is essential for effective mobilisation, unity and operational efficiency.

While welcoming the presidential position, the party expressed concern over what it described as conflicting narratives emanating from within the APC, warning that such contradictions could undermine party cohesion in Rivers State.

It said the affirmation of Governor Fubara’s leadership should serve as a corrective to misinformation being circulated within political circles.

The statement also took aim at comments reportedly made by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, regarding the impeachment process involving Governor Fubara and his deputy.

The Rivers APC described the comments as inconsistent with party values and internal discipline, arguing that public positions taken by senior party officials should reflect and protect the collective interests of the party.

In a strong rebuke, the party suggested that Morka’s comments fell short of the responsibilities expected of a national spokesman and called on him to reconsider his continued occupancy of the office.

Beyond the leadership dispute, the party drew attention to unresolved legal issues affecting the party’s structure in the state.

It reminded the National Working Committee (NWC) of existing court rulings relating to Rivers APC leadership, referencing Suit No. PHC/3592/CS/2023 and Suit No. PHC/3859/CS/2024, and urged the immediate conduct of ward, local government and state congresses.

According to the party, fresh congresses are necessary to stabilise the APC in Rivers State and harmonise competing interests that have fuelled internal disagreements.

The party concluded by calling on Governor Fubara, as the acknowledged leader of the APC in Rivers State, to convene a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at providing strategic direction and restoring unity within the party.