Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He made the announcement on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
Fubara spoke during a stakeholders meeting at the Government House. The decision, he said, followed deep consultations and recent political events.
Fubara Explains Why He Joined APC
At the meeting, the governor said full alignment with President Bola Tinubu informed his move.
“We can’t support President (Tinubu) if we don’t fully identify with him, not just the backyard support,” Fubara said.
He added, “So we have taken that decision here today that everyone who has followed and suffered with me, the decision this evening is that we are moving to the APC.”
Therefore, the governor urged his supporters to move with him to the ruling party.
Defection Follows Visit to President Tinubu
Importantly, Fubara’s defection came a day after he met President Tinubu in Abuja. The meeting took place on Monday at the State House.
According to reports, the governor arrived at about 5:01 p.m. Presidential aides received him and escorted him to the president’s office. He left around 5:45 p.m. However, officials did not disclose details of the discussion.
More Governors Dump PDP
Meanwhile, Fubara joins a growing list of opposition governors who have defected to the APC. They include Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, and Bayelsa Governor Duoye Siri.
As a result, the PDP faces fresh pressure in the South-South and South-East regions.
Background: Rivers Emergency Rule and Political Crisis
Recall that on March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. He suspended Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected lawmakers for six months.
The president said the move aimed to restore stability after prolonged political tension between the governor and lawmakers.
Following the suspension, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as Rivers administrator. Ibas has since moved on to serve as an ambassador.
Fubara Returns, Chooses Peace
Six months later, Fubara returned to office. He pledged peace and reconciliation across the state.
In a statewide broadcast, he described the emergency period as “enormously challenging but necessary.”
He said he chose cooperation over confrontation to preserve peace. “I resisted pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency declaration,” Fubara said.
Furthermore, he confirmed that Tinubu later brokered peace among all parties. Fubara said he, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers House of Assembly agreed to bury the hatchet.
According to him, reconciliation served the best interest of Rivers people and the state’s progress.
What This Means for Rivers Politics
Now, Fubara’s move to the APC reshapes Rivers State politics. It also strengthens the ruling party’s influence in the oil-rich South-South region.
As events unfold, attention will remain on how the defection affects governance, party balance, and future elections in Rivers State.
