Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday formally abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and jumped on the All Progressives Congress (APC) bandwagon.
Fubara’s action has set off a new wave of political realignments in Rivers State.
The governor made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
He told party loyalists that his decision was driven by the need to openly support President Bola Tinubu, whom he credited with sustaining his administration through turbulent times.
Fubara spoke bluntly about the role the president played in his political survival.
“The reason why we are still standing is because of that place, and the truth is, without Mr President, there wouldn’t be any His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara; it would have been the former governor,” he said.
He added that offering Tinubu anything less than full commitment would amount to ingratitude.
“So, we have every reason because the truth, let nobody be fooled in this state, we have the people, we have the supporters. Our only thank-you to Mr. President is to support him, and we cannot support the president in isolation.
“We cannot support the President if we don’t fully identify with him, not backyard support. So, we have taken that decision today since we have gotten the pass. Everyone here who had followed me, who had suffered with me, our decision today, this evening, we are moving to APC,” Fubara declared.
*A widening gale of defections*
Fubara’s move comes on the heels of a sweeping defection in the Rivers State House of Assembly, where Speaker Martin Amaewhule and 17 lawmakers crossed over to the APC on December 5.
The lawmakers cited deepening internal crises within the PDP as their reason for leaving, triggering fresh political tension in the state.
Those who switched camps include key figures such as Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol (Gokana), Major Jack (Akuku-Toru), Linda Stewart (Okrika), Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3), Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2), Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2), and Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1).
Others are Igwe Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), Gerald Oforji (Oyigbo), and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).
With the Assembly leadership and several influential lawmakers already gone, pressure had been mounting on Fubara to align with the ruling APC — pressure that has now crystallised into his formal defection.
The governor’s move is expected to reshape Rivers politics in the coming weeks, as more loyalists are likely to follow his path into the APC.
