Former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, has stirred fresh political debate after questioning Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s self declaration as the political “number one” of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.
He spoke when he appeared on Arise TV aired today
During the programme, Mr. Fayose drew a parallel with the political structure in Lagos State, arguing that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu cannot lay claim to being the political leader with President Bola Tinubu’s influence.
He insisted that such authority resides with the President, a Former Governor of the state.
He recalled the recent impeachment and subsequent reinstatement of the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, describing the reversal as a clear demonstration of Tinubu’s overriding influence in the state’s political affairs.
According to him, the President, without saying a word, caused the system to restore that speaker as it was an affront to the President, who is the leader.
Mr. Fayose described the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State as a political lifeline for Governor Fubara as it saved him from imminent political extinction.
He further noted that President Tinubu’s political intervention had placed Governor Fubara in a position to reflect and learn, just as he himself did after his first tenure as governor of Ekiti State.
The remarks come amid a prolonged political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over the control of Rivers State’s political structure.
In December 2025,. Governor Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
During the flag off of the Rivers Airport Bypass Project on December 12, he publicly declared his loyalty to the ruling party and President Tinubu, announcing himself as “number one” in the party in the state.
Governor Fubara’s defection followed the movement of 15 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martin Amaewhule, to the APC.
However, FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike later dismissed Fubara’s leadership claim, insisting that party registration is conducted at ward and local government levels and that there is no statewide “001” position.
