The Director of Information of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bala Ibrahim, has said that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, would be under the authority of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, if he decides to join the party. Ibrahim said Wike would be welcomed into the APC, but he would not be placed above the sitting governor in the party’s structure in Rivers State.

Speaking during an interview on Trust TV on Wednesday, Ibrahim explained that political leadership is tied to official position. He said that once a leader leaves office, he no longer commands the same level of control. According to him, Wike was followed when he was governor, but now that he no longer holds that position, he must respect the existing leadership.

Ibrahim added that the APC has clear rules and structures that everyone must obey, no matter how influential they are. He said Wike cannot expect special treatment if he decides to defect, stressing that the party operates based on laid-down regulations and internal discipline.

He concluded that while Wike is free to join the APC and will be given a place in the party, he must be ready to follow the party’s order. Ibrahim said no individual can continue to carry the authority of leadership after leaving office, and that the party will always recognize current office holders first.