Fayose Questions Fubara’s ‘001’ Claim, Says Rivers APC Leadership Not by Self-Declaration

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has stirred political debate after questioning claims of leadership dominance in Rivers State, faulting Governor Siminalayi Fubara for declaring himself as “001” in the All Progressives Congress (APC) membership register in his ward.
Fayose dismissed the move as symbolic and lacking substance, arguing that political leadership cannot be assumed through self-declaration or registration numbers. According to him, influence within a party is built through structure, loyalty, and the support of critical stakeholders—not by writing one’s name first on a ward register.
He stressed that Rivers State politics remains complex and deeply rooted in long-standing alliances and power blocs, warning against what he described as political theatrics. Fayose maintained that ward registration is a routine administrative process and does not automatically translate to authority or control within the APC.
The comments come amid heightened political realignments in Rivers State, with growing tensions within the APC. Reacting to the controversy, Rivers APC spokesperson Darlington Nwauju has insisted that party leadership follows due process and internal consensus, not personal declarations.
As reactions continue to trail the development, Fayose concluded that time—not titles—will ultimately determine who truly commands influence within the Rivers APC.