By Solomon OKPO
Vice President Kashim Shettima has firmly declared Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, putting to rest lingering debates over the party’s leadership structure in the state.
Shettima made the clarification while addressing party members at an APC solidarity event in Enugu State, where he spoke on the principles guiding party leadership across the federation.
Emphasising his constitutional role as Vice President of Nigeria and his position as the second-highest-ranking official in the APC, Shettima said the party operates a clear and consistent leadership framework at the state level.
According to him, the sitting governor of a state automatically serves as the leader of the APC in that state, regardless of the presence of other high-ranking party officials.
To underscore his point, the Vice President cited several examples from across the country. He noted that in Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum remains the APC leader despite his own position as Vice President.
In Akwa Ibom State, he said Governor Umo Eno leads the party even with Senate President Godswill Akpabio occupying the third position in the national political hierarchy.
Shettima also pointed to Kaduna State, where Governor Uba Sani heads the APC structure, and Enugu State, where Governor Peter Mbah is recognised as the party leader.
He stressed that the same principle applies unequivocally to Rivers State, affirming that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the rightful leader of the APC in the state.
The Vice President urged all party stakeholders, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to take note of the clarification in order to prevent unnecessary political tension and internal party disputes.
Shettima said adherence to established party norms remains essential for unity, stability and the effective functioning of the APC nationwide.
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