APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda rules out Wike’s influence in Rivers party affairs

By Johnson Arua

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed claims that former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has any influence in the party’s affairs in Rivers State.

Speaking on Channels Television amid heightened political debates surrounding the state, Yilwatda said the APC’s decisions and internal processes are strictly the business of its registered members, stressing that non-members have no role to play.

He stated categorically that Wike remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and, as such, does not feature in the APC’s internal calculations, leadership structure, or electoral strategies in Rivers State.

“Nyesom Wike is in PDP,” Yilwatda said bluntly, shutting down speculations about the minister’s alleged involvement in APC matters in the state.

The APC chairman described the frequent references to Wike in discussions about the party’s affairs as unnecessary and distracting, noting that the party has its own members and leaders who deserve attention.

According to him, Rivers State has several APC stakeholders, including lawmakers at the National Assembly and other elected officials, many of whom recently defected from the PDP and are actively involved in the party’s growth.

He urged political commentators and stakeholders to focus on APC members rather than individuals who are not affiliated with the party.

“Allow me to discuss members of my party, not people who are not members of my political party,” Yilwatda said.

The national chairman explained that his responsibility is limited to managing the affairs of the APC and coordinating its activities nationwide, not commenting on or managing the internal politics of other parties.

“I’m the chairman of APC, not chairman of all political parties in Nigeria,” he added, stressing that engaging in discussions about non-members would amount to overstepping his mandate.

Yilwatda’s comments appeared aimed at easing political tensions in Rivers State while reinforcing the party’s stance that loyalty, internal democracy, and adherence to party rules will guide its actions ahead of future elections.