FAYOSE RAISES DOUBTS OVER SANWO-OLU’S LAGOS LEADERSHIP, QUESTIONS FUBARA’S 001 STANCE
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has challenged claims of political leadership in Rivers State, criticizing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s self-declaration as “001” in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Fayose, in an exclusive interview on Tuesday, compared the leadership situation in Rivers to Lagos State, arguing that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu cannot claim to be the state’s political leader, insisting that such authority rests with President Bola Tinubu, a former Lagos governor.
To illustrate his point, Fayose referenced the recent impeachment and reinstatement of the Lagos State House of Assembly speaker, describing the reversal as proof of President Tinubu’s overriding influence.
He said, “The president that I know hates ingratitude; he controls Lagos from the palms of his hands. For instance, the speaker was impeached, and another person took over in Lagos State. The president, without saying a word, caused the system to restore that speaker because it’s an affront to the president, who is the leader.
“Will you tell me Sanwo-Olu is the leader in Lagos? Let him come out and say he’s the leader in the state. There are certain things that are said for aesthetics. Don’t let it get to your head.”
Fayose also described the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State as a political lifeline for Governor Fubara. He said, “The emergency rule was all-winning for Governor Fubara because by now he would have been history; the moment you’re impeached, you are out of the way and can’t contest.
“If you read the contest of President Tinubu, he took Governor Fubara to the cleaners, and it’s time for Governor Fubara to learn, the way I learnt after my first tenure as governor.”
The comments come amid a prolonged political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over control of Rivers State’s political structure.
In December 2025, 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 reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling party and President Tinubu.
“Today, I am very happy. I am not just a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC); I am number one. I have collected my membership card, and my form is 001,” Fubara said.
“So, from this moment, I am fully in the APC with all my heart and commitment. The message is clear: we will do everything to ensure a smooth 2027 election for Mr. President in Rivers State.
“How do we achieve this? With all of you here and your support. The only way we can continue to show our appreciation to Mr. President is by backing him,” Fubara said.
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His defection followed the move of 15 Rivers State House of Assembly members, including Speaker Martin Amaewhule, to the APC.
However, Wike later rejected Fubara’s leadership claim, insisting that APC registration is conducted at ward and local government levels, and that no statewide “001” position exists. He added that party leadership is not determined by holding executive office.
“He (Fubara) decamped to the APC with whom? What is ‘001’? Let me tell you, there’s no such thing as ‘001’ in the state,” Wike said.
“You register in your ward and local government, so if you are 001, it’s only in your ward.
“There’s nothing like ‘001.’ There’s nothing I’ve registered in the state as 001. Everyone registers in their own ward. You might be the first to register, but that doesn’t make it a position.
“There are exceptions to the rule, so let’s not dwell on other things. Leadership is not about being a governor. Leadership is not about being a minister. You must have something that truly makes you a leader,” Wike added.
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