The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that the withdrawal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the party’s governorship primary was entirely a personal decision, insisting that the APC followed due process throughout the exercise.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Yilwatda explained that Fubara had purchased nomination forms, successfully completed screening, and only stepped down voluntarily before the primaries were conducted.
According to him, there was no irregularity in the process, and the party simply respected the governor’s decision to withdraw from the race.
He also dismissed suggestions that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, influenced the outcome of the APC primary in Rivers State, stating that Wike is not a member of the APC.
“Wike is not in our party. He is in PDP,” Yilwatda said, pushing back on claims of external interference in the party’s internal affairs.
The APC chairman also addressed concerns about the disqualification of some aspirants following the party’s screening process ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said the party’s guidelines require all contestants to be financially active members before qualifying to contest for any position.
He added that proof of payment of party dues is a strict requirement for nomination, stressing that the party constitution does not allow individuals who are not properly registered or financially compliant to participate in primaries.
Yilwatda further clarified that the APC does not operate a waiver system, noting that even recent entrants into the party must complete proper registration before enjoying full electoral rights within the party structure.
He also confirmed that former House of Representatives member Kingsley Chinda secured the APC governorship ticket in Rivers State after meeting party requirements following his defection.
The Rivers APC governorship race has drawn attention in recent weeks, especially after both Fubara and another aspirant, Tonye Cole, withdrew from the contest, citing internal party considerations and a desire to maintain stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
The developments leave the party with its final candidate in the oil-rich South-South state as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
