A socio- political advocacy group, the Omoku Youths’ Progressive Assembly(OYPA), has reaffirmed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains the undisputed leader of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Rivers State, insisting that the once- dominant political influence of former governor, Nyesom Wike, has significantly diminished, and no longer shapes the state’s present direction.
The President of the group, Prof. Anthony Okirie described the present political landscape as one shaped by institutional authority, federal alignment, and grassroots acceptance, all of which,they said, now revolve around Governor Fubara.
“Political relevance is not sustained by history alone, but by authority, legitimacy, and performance.
“Governor Fubara presently commands these attributes”, Prof. Okirie stated.
He argued that Rivers politics is experiencing a natural transition from personality-driven control to office- based leadership, noting that loyalty has steadily shifted toward present governance structures.
According to the leader of the organization, political relevance is fluid as it moves with power, access, and legitimacy.
“The affirmation of Governor Fubara as APC leader in Rivers State underscores a simple political truth: authority follows office, not memory.
“For years, Rivers politics revolved around dominance by individuals. Today, that era appears to be fading, replaced by governance- anchored leadership.
“Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s growing influence reflects: control of state political machinery, federal- state synergy, expanding grassroots loyalty”, Prof. Okirie said.
He maintained that in modern politics, yesterday’s kingmaker must either adapt or become ceremonial, noting that Rivers APC is adjusting to this reality.
“Political parties function best when leadership is clearly defined. Lingering power struggles rooted in the past only weaken internal cohesion and distract from governance.
“The APC in Rivers should now focus on party unity and reconciliation, policy delivery, development, and democratic internal processes.
Also see: Wike Rules Out Second Term for Fubara
“The future of the party depends on clarity, maturity, and acceptance of reality”, the group’s leader declared.
Prof Okirie further reiterated that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the number one leader of the APC in the state, describing claims of external political dominance as out-dated.
He averred that Leadership within the party is now defined by relevance, authority, and alignment with present governance structures.
“Political Influence cannot survive disconnection from power. Leadership must reflect the current, not the past”, the group leader noted.
It also urged party stakeholders to rally around Governor Fubara to strengthen unity and governance outcomes in Rivers State.
On some key assessments, Prof Okirie said that Rivers politics is shifting from governance-based leadership to federal alignment, which plays a decisive role in party hierarchy, grassroots loyalty that determines political survival, and the fact that clarity of leadership strengthens party cohesion.
He however emphasized that the task before Governor Siminalayi Fubara is to convert political clarity into Inclusive leadership, stability, and development-driven posture, by ensuring that relevance serves the people, not just the party.
