The All Progressives Congress (APC) States Assembly Forum (ASAF) has called on the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to seize the opportunity presented by the recent political realignment in Delta State and defect to the ruling APC, aligning himself with President Bola Tinubu’s re-election project.
Fubara, who was democratically elected as the Executive Governor of Rivers State in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was suspended by President Tinubu in March following a political crisis that triggered instability in the state.
The governor has long been entangled in a protracted political feud with his predecessor and political godfather, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Following the recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; his predecessor and former vice-presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, Ifeanyi Okowa; and the entire PDP structure in the state to the APC, ASAF believes that the defection of Siminalayi Fubara and his influential Simplified Movement in Rivers State will not only return the suspended governor to political relevance but also secure a convincing victory for President Tinubu in Rivers State come 2027.
ASAF, in a statement issued over the weekend by its Director-General, Ambassador Fubara Dagogo, in Katsina during the President’s working visit to the state noted the strength and overwhelming support the suspended governor still enjoys in Rivers State. It emphasized that a swift embrace of the ruling APC and President Tinubu’s re-election bid would bolster support and expedite Fubara’s reinstatement.
The DG further asserted that Governor Fubara’s anticipated defection, combined with the recent political gains in Delta State, would contribute significantly to delivering a resounding victory for President Bola Tinubu across the entire South-South geopolitical zone. This, it said, would complement the efforts of all stakeholders driving the Renewed Hope agenda in the region.
The ASAF Director-General described the recent defection of Delta State’s governor and his predecessor as a turning point in APC’s control of the South-South. He welcomed members of the Delta State House of Assembly into the ASAF fold and urged the Assembly to formally align with the Forum and its programs.
ASAF also called for lasting peace and reconciliation between the suspended Governor Fubara and his political mentor, Nyesom Wike, stressing that such unity is essential to securing APC’s victory in Rivers State in 2027 and ensuring a stable and progressive state government.
The Forum concluded that Governor Fubara’s anticipated defection would not only strengthen President Tinubu’s chances in Rivers State but also bring lasting peace and resolve longstanding internal APC divisions in the state.
