Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has articulated his reasons for abandoning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on whose platform he was elected governor in 2023, and joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In explaining the decision during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara said his move was driven by the desire to align the state more closely with the federal government’s political direction and to foster stability and development for Rivers people.
Fubara described his defection as a strategic decision rooted in the practical realities of governing in a highly competitive political environment. He stressed that the support and cooperation he has received from President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party were significant factors in his choice, noting that aligning with the APC would enable his administration to more effectively pursue its development agenda. The Governor emphasised that Rivers State cannot thrive in isolation and that working in harmony with the government at the centre is essential to delivering dividends of democracy to the electorate. This, he said, informed his belief that joining the ruling party would help bring greater political stability and enable access to federal support for projects and programmes in the state.
The formal transition to the APC culminated in a brief ceremony at the Governor’s office where Fubara received his APC membership card from the state party chairman. Party officials and supporters gathered to welcome him and underscore the significance of his defection as part of broader realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape. Fubara said he saw the move as not just a change of party loyalty but a conscious effort to ensure that Rivers people benefit from closer collaboration with the national leadership, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Observers note that Fubara’s defection followed several high‑profile exits from the PDP by lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly, reflecting deep internal divisions within the opposition party. Fubara himself referenced the need for unity and cooperation, saying that development and peace cannot thrive in an atmosphere marked by disunity. He reiterated that his choice was not motivated by personal gain but by a conviction that aligning with the APC would yield better opportunities for governance and progress in Rivers State.
Critics of the defection, including voices from within his former party, have questioned the timing and motivations, with some suggesting that political expediency played a role. Nonetheless, Fubara maintained that his decision was taken after careful consideration and consultation with key stakeholders. He appealed to residents and party supporters to view the move as a forward‑looking step that could unlock new avenues for collaboration and development. As the political landscape continues to shift ahead of the next general elections, Fubara’s defection is seen as part of broader realignments that could influence electoral dynamics at both state and national levels.
