Strategy Over Friction: Why the APC Is Making Fubara Wait

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has finally addressed the lingering questions surrounding its delayed official reception for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Breaking the silence during a recent television appearance, the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, attributed the holdup to a calculated strategy rather than any internal party friction. He explained that the party is currently navigating a complex calendar of regional activities that must take precedence.

According to Yilwatda, the decision to pause southern activities is deeply rooted in religious and cultural sensitivities, specifically the upcoming Ramadan fast. The party leadership opted to conclude the formal reception of northern defectors first, given that the North houses a significant Muslim population. The chairman noted that once the holy month begins, political rallies and large-scale celebrations become increasingly difficult to coordinate effectively in those regions.

By “clearing the North” first, the APC intends to finalize its engagements in states like Kano and other northern hubs before shifting the spotlight to the South-South. Yilwatda pleaded for patience from party faithful, emphasizing that the schedule was designed to respect the communal rhythms of the party’s diverse membership base. He maintained that the timing is about administrative logic rather than any reluctance to embrace the Rivers State leader.

The National Chairman also seized the opportunity to debunk persistent rumors that the delay was a slight against Governor Fubara or a sign of his weak standing within the party. Speculation has been rife that the influence of Fubara’s predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, might be stalling the process. However, Yilwatda was firm in his dismissal of these theories, stating that the delay has absolutely nothing to do with the governor’s level of control or internal power struggles.

Instead, the party insists that its focus is on “inclusion” and a “seamless integration” of all new high-profile members. Yilwatda reaffirmed that Governor Fubara is recognized as the leader of the party in Rivers State, consistent with the APC’s constitutional provision that accords sitting governors that privilege. He assured supporters that the “red carpet” would be rolled out for the governor in Port Harcourt as soon as the northern leg of the party’s tour is concluded.

The clarification comes at a time when Rivers State politics remains a focal point of national attention. Following Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in December 2025, many expected an immediate and grand formalization of his entry into the ruling party. The APC’s strategic pause suggests a desire to avoid the optics of a rushed transition while ensuring that each defection receives the appropriate regional attention.

Yilwatda’s remarks underscore a broader effort by the APC to project a unified and culturally aware front ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle. By framing the delay as a mark of respect for the Muslim community and a matter of logistical planning, the party hopes to quell the anxieties of Fubara’s loyalists in the South. The chairman’s assurance that the governor will eventually receive a full-throttle reception serves to validate Fubara’s new political identity.

As the political landscape in Rivers continues to shift, the APC’s management of this transition will be a litmus test for its ability to balance competing interests. For now, the message from the national headquarters is clear: the party is ready for Governor Fubara, but the clock is being set by the calendar of the North. Once the current cycle of activities is wrapped up, all eyes will return to the oil-rich state for what promises to be a major political event.