Wike Ridicules Fubara’s ‘001’ Claim Says No Such Title Exists in Rivers APC

Spread the love

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, describing the assertion as misleading.

Wike was reacting to Fubara’s recent declaration that he is the “001” of APC in Rivers State following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). During his registration with the APC, Fubara reportedly received a membership card bearing the number 001.

Addressing journalists on Monday during his end-of-year media briefing in Port Harcourt, Wike mocked the claim, insisting that such a designation holds no authority at the state level.

According to the FCT minister, party registration is done strictly at the ward and local government levels, not statewide. He explained that even if someone happens to be the first to register, it does not automatically confer leadership status.

Wike stressed that at best, Fubara could only be regarded as “001” within his ward, not the entire state.

He further questioned the idea of equating political leadership with occupying public office, arguing that being a governor or minister does not automatically make one the leader of a political party.

Using Lagos State as an example, Wike noted that party leadership structures vary and cannot be reduced to simple labels or titles. He emphasized that true leadership is earned through influence, acceptance, and political strength—not through registration numbers.