The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified why Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who recently defected to the ruling party, is yet to be formally received at the national level.
The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the delay was deliberate and rooted in strategic political considerations, particularly sensitivities in the northern part of the country.
Yilwatda explained that the party is currently prioritising planned activities in northern states ahead of the forthcoming Ramadan season, noting that timing and regional balance are critical in managing high-profile political receptions.
“We have Kano we’re preparing for. When you’re dealing in politics, we opted to clear the north first because Ramadan is coming and most of the people in the north are Muslims,” he said.
According to the APC chairman, several northern communities are particularly sensitive to political gatherings during Ramadan, prompting the party to sequence its activities carefully to avoid distractions or misinterpretations.
“We have a lot of communities in the north that are sensitive to the issue of Ramadan. So we pleaded that we clear the northern governors who have to come to the APC first before going to the south, where we don’t have Ramadan as an issue,” Yilwatda added.
He stressed that the absence of a formal welcome for Governor Fubara should not be misconstrued as hesitation or internal disagreement, assuring party members and the public that the Rivers governor remains fully accepted within the APC.
Yilwatda noted that the party’s leadership is committed to maintaining unity and respecting regional and religious considerations as it continues to expand its political base across the country.
Governor Fubara’s defection is seen as a significant political development in Rivers State, with expectations that a formal reception will be held once the party concludes its northern engagements.
