Politics

Fubara is APC leader in Rivers, Wike has no party authority — Bwala

Published

3 weeks ago

January 23, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Wike and Fubara

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President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has declared that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is the recognised leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, dismissing claims linking former governor Nyesom Wike to the party’s leadership structure.

Bwala made the clarification on Thursday while speaking on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, against the backdrop of an ongoing political crisis in Rivers State that has seen the State House of Assembly commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.

According to Bwala, the position of the APC national leadership is unequivocal, stressing that Wike is not a member of the ruling party and therefore lacks the authority to speak or act on its behalf in Rivers State.

He said the party’s national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, had already made it clear that Fubara, as the sitting governor, is the APC leader in the state.

“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,” Bwala said.

He added that while Wike may be regarded as a leading figure within the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers due to his past role as governor, such influence does not extend to the APC.

“He may be the leader of the PDP in Rivers State because they currently do not have a governor, but as far as the APC is concerned, Governor Fubara is the party leader in the state,” he stated.

Bwala further noted that President Tinubu supports internal party democracy, constitutional order, and the rule of law, insisting that the party would not condone any actions capable of undermining governance in Rivers State.

On the impeachment moves against Fubara, Bwala said the APC expects that the governor should be allowed to perform his constitutional duties without obstruction, particularly in light of existing court orders restraining the process.

“There are court orders stopping the impeachment. The party’s position is clear: nobody should stop Governor Fubara from governing Rivers State,” he said.

The presidential aide also clarified that Wike’s appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory does not translate into leadership or authority within the APC, describing his role as one of service to the Federal Government rather than to the ruling party.

“The President believes in rewarding loyalty and service, but not at the expense of national interest or what is right,” Bwala said.

He urged all political stakeholders in Rivers State to respect constitutional processes, adding that the APC’s recognition of Fubara as party leader has effectively settled the internal dispute.

Governor Fubara formally joined the APC in December 2025 after defecting from the PDP and has since been endorsed by the party for a second term in the 2027 governorship election.

Meanwhile, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing allegations of gross misconduct, including financial mismanagement and constitutional violations.

Politics

Eneukwu hails Gov. Mbah for enabling APC reach 2 million e-registration benchmark

Published

7 days ago

February 5, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Chief Emma Eneukwu

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LThe National Deputy Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Emma Eneukwu, says the excellent governance and infrastructure performance of Gov. Peter Mbah is propelling attainment of the two million registration benchmark.

Eneukwu said this on Thursday in Enugu while briefing newsmen on the progress of the ongoing APC E-Registration in Enugu State.

According to him, the excellent performance of His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, in Enugu State has mandated and propelled the good people of the state to reciprocate by registering en masse.

The APC leader noted that the two million registration target was an ambitious but highly achievable goal.

“Enuga State has large population of youths and professionals looking for a credible political platform, which only APC has provided.

“With sustained mobilisation and effective leadership engagement, the numbers are realistic.

“Beyond figures, the enthusiasm and momentum on the ground suggest a party on the move,” he said.

Eneukwu further explained that the e-registration remained a clear signal that the party is repositioning and expanding its grassroots base in Enugu State.

“The process has been largely peaceful, technology-driven and reflective of growing political interest among the people, especially at the community level.

The APC leader also debunked unsubstantiated claims of opposition political parties that civil servants are being forced to register, adding that “there is no official policy or directive supporting such allegation.”

He said, “The exercise is voluntary and individuals are free to make their political choices.

“In a competitive political climate, such claims are not unusual; but facts on the ground indicate participation driven solely by interest and never coercion.”

Politics

2027: Senate blocking real-time results to protect incumbents — Atiku

Published

1 week ago

February 4, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Former VP, Atiku Abubakar

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Nigerian Senate’s rejection of real-time electronic transmission of election results, describing the move as a deliberate assault on electoral transparency and a strategy that favours incumbents ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by Atiku’s Media Office on Wednesday night, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain said the decision represents a serious setback for electoral reform and undermines public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“This ill-advised action represents a grave setback for electoral reform and a calculated blow against transparency, credibility, and public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“At a time when democracies across the world are strengthening their electoral systems through technology, the Nigerian Senate has chosen to cling to opacity, protect loopholes, and preserve a system that has historically enabled manipulation, tampering, and post-election disputes.

“Real-time electronic transmission of results is not a partisan demand; it is a democratic safeguard. It reduces human interference, limits result manipulation, and ensures that the will of the voter—expressed at the polling unit—is faithfully reflected in the final outcome.

“To reject it, and adopt the 2022 provision on so-called electronic transmission of results is to signal an unwillingness to submit elections to public scrutiny,” the statement said.

According to him, the decision raises concerns about the intentions of the political establishment as the country moves closer to another general election cycle.

“This decision raises troubling questions about the commitment of the ruling political establishment to free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.

“Nigerians cannot ignore the pattern: every reform that strengthens transparency is resisted, while every ambiguity that benefits incumbency is preserved,” Atiku said.

Reiterating his position on democratic reform, the former Vice President said Nigeria’s electoral process must reflect modern realities and the expectations of citizens.

“Democracy must evolve with time, technology, and the legitimate expectations of the people. Elections must be decided by voters; not by manual delays, backroom alterations, or procedural excuses,” he said.

He called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, the media and the international community to remain vigilant and continue pushing for reforms that align Nigeria’s elections with global democratic standards.

“Nigeria deserves elections that are transparent, verifiable, and beyond manipulation. Anything less is an injustice to the electorate and a betrayal of democracy,” the statement read.

Politics

Electoral Act: Rejection of e-transmission shows FG not ready for credible polls — Obidients

Published

1 week ago

February 4, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

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The political camp of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, popularly known as the Obidient Movement, has criticised the Senate for passing the Electoral Act amendment bill without approving electronic transmission of results, describing the move as a clear indication of the government’s lack of commitment to credible, free and fair elections despite the expectations of many Nigerians.

In a chat with Vanguard on Wednesday, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said the failure to include electronic transmission of results casts doubt on the sincerity of the electoral reform process and leaves room for practices Nigerians have repeatedly rejected.

Although the Senate passed the Electoral Act amendment bill, it declined to approve the electronic transmission of results, a key reform widely seen as central to improving transparency and public trust in elections.

“That shows you that they are not yet ready for credible, free and fair elections,” Tanko said.

He said the decision means Nigerians must be prepared to resist what he described as flawed electoral processes across the country.

“So Nigerians should be ready to challenge these elections, headlong in all other preparation for any region,” he said.

Tanko stressed that electronic transmission of results remains critical to curbing manipulation associated with manual processes.

“Because the major thing about the electronic transmission of results is to eliminate human interference in the result collation process, unlike what is obtainable in the manual collation centres, where it can take place,” he said.

He maintained that the Senate’s action reflects the broader attitude of the government towards electoral credibility.

“So that means they are not ready. This is a pointer to show that this government is not ready for credible, free and fair elections.

“And Nigerians should be ready for a very strong fight, I mean a strong contestation to redeem our democracy,” he said.