Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape. The governor announced his decision during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday evening.
Speaking to party leaders, traditional rulers, local government representatives, and other invited guests, Fubara said his defection was necessary to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. According to him, remaining in the PDP while trying to cooperate with the federal government had become increasingly difficult.
“We can’t support President Tinubu if we don’t fully identify with him, not just backyard support,” Fubara said. “Our decision this evening is that we are moving to the APC.”
His announcement was met with mixed reactions from the audience, reflecting the ongoing tension in the state’s political space.
Fubara’s move comes at a time when Rivers State has been facing heightened political uncertainty. For months, the state has been divided by a power struggle involving the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The feud has caused deep cracks within the PDP in Rivers State, with lawmakers, commissioners, and local government officials taking sides.
The crisis worsened late in 2023 when a group of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly defected from the PDP to the APC, a move widely seen as being influenced by Wike’s political structure. Since then, the state has experienced repeated clashes over control of government institutions, court orders, and power tussles within the House of Assembly.
Fubara’s defection is expected to further reshape political loyalties in the state. Many analysts say it could deepen the divide or possibly settle the long-standing battle, depending on how the federal and state leadership manage the situation going forward.
Before Monday’s announcement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held a private meeting with Governor Fubara at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting, which was not open to the press, has sparked speculation about possible negotiations or reconciliation efforts ahead of the governor’s move to the APC.
Although details of their discussion were not made public, sources familiar with the political situation said the president may have been working behind the scenes to stabilise the state and prevent further political breakdown. Rivers State is one of Nigeria’s most important economic hubs, producing a significant share of the country’s crude oil. The federal government often seeks to maintain stability in the region to avoid disruptions in oil production and revenue.
Tinubu has also positioned himself as a leader who welcomes cross-party collaboration, especially from governors who are willing to work closely with his administration. Fubara’s defection may therefore be seen as a strategic step to secure federal support for projects, security, and political protection.
Fubara’s departure from the PDP is likely to weaken the party in a state it has controlled for more than two decades. Since 1999, the PDP has dominated Rivers politics, winning governorship elections, National Assembly seats, and most state-level positions. The party’s influence grew even stronger under former governor Wike, who was considered one of the PDP’s most powerful figures.
However, the internal crisis that erupted between Wike and Fubara has shaken the party’s foundation. Fubara’s move to the APC might trigger an exodus of political actors who prefer to remain aligned with the sitting governor. At the same time, some loyalists of Wike may stay within the PDP or strengthen ties with the APC faction he influences.
For the APC, Fubara’s defection is a major political victory. The party has struggled for years to gain control of Rivers State, facing repeated setbacks in elections due to internal divisions and the strong grip of the PDP. With a sitting governor now joining their ranks, the APC may have a stronger foundation to challenge the PDP in future elections, especially in 2027.
Meanwhile, residents of Rivers State remain concerned about how the political tension will affect governance, development projects, and security. Many citizens hope the defection will bring peace, while others fear it may worsen the rivalry between the two power blocs.
