Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has opened up on the reasons behind his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the party failed to protect him during the intense political crisis that rocked the state in the past year. The governor made the revelation during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, where he also formally announced his move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the gathering, which was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, community representatives, and members of his cabinet, Fubara said his defection was not a sudden decision but the result of months of frustration and lack of support from the PDP leadership. According to him, he faced serious political threats that could have removed him from office, but the party failed to stand by him at his most difficult moment.
“I went to see Mr President not just for a personal visit, but for a consultation on state matters,” Fubara explained. “The most important outcome of that meeting is that we now have full support to leave where we were because we didn’t get the protection we needed.”
With this statement, Fubara confirmed for the first time that his decision to work closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was linked to the political battles that almost destabilised his administration. He added that the PDP, which brought him into office, abandoned him when he needed its backing the most.
The crisis in Rivers State began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023. A bitter dispute erupted between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The disagreement quickly split the state’s political structure into two rival camps, leading to defections, court cases, and clashes over control of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In October 2023, the crisis escalated when a part of the Assembly complex was set ablaze on the same day lawmakers attempted to begin impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. While the PDP at the national level issued general statements calling for peace, it failed to firmly back the governor or intervene decisively. Many political observers said this silence allowed the crisis to deepen.
By late 2023, 27 PDP lawmakers defected to the APC, intensifying the struggle for power and legitimacy. The situation created uncertainty in governance, with several commissioners resigning and multiple factions emerging within state institutions.
During this period, Fubara remained under pressure, but he kept a strong public posture. However, Tuesday’s remarks show how deeply the situation affected him behind the scenes, confirming that he felt abandoned by the party that sponsored his election.
At the stakeholders’ meeting, Fubara praised President Tinubu for stepping in at a critical moment. He credited the president’s intervention with preventing a complete political collapse in Rivers State and ensuring that he remained in office despite the turmoil.
“If President Tinubu had not intervened, there wouldn’t be a Siminalayi Fubara today,” he said. “We have the people and supporters with us. Our decision is to move to the APC and fully support the President’s second-term bid.”
The governor’s message made it clear that he now sees the APC as the party capable of protecting his administration and providing the stability required to govern effectively. He described his move as a strategic step to secure both political backing and peace in the state.
His declaration that he will support President Tinubu’s second-term ambition also signals a long-term commitment to the ruling party and may reshape political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Fubara’s exit from the PDP marks one of the biggest political losses for the party since the 2023 elections. Rivers State has been a stronghold of the PDP since 1999, delivering massive votes in presidential elections and consistently winning governorship contests.
The party’s dominance in the state was largely strengthened by Nyesom Wike, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023. However, the open rift between Wike and Fubara has weakened the party’s once-solid base. With Fubara now defecting—and taking along key supporters—analysts say the PDP may face serious challenges in the next election cycle.
For the APC, Fubara’s defection is a major boost. The party has struggled to win governorship elections in Rivers State due to internal divisions and the strong hold of the PDP. With a sitting governor now joining its ranks, the APC has gained a stronger presence in a key oil-producing state.
The move is also advantageous for President Tinubu, who has been working to strengthen his political base across the country. Rivers State contributes significantly to national revenue through oil production, and maintaining peace and cooperation in the state is important for federal stability.
With Fubara now on the side of the ruling party, the APC may have a smoother path in implementing federal projects, improving security, and securing political support in the region.
Many residents of Rivers State are watching the latest development with mixed feelings. Some believe the governor’s move to the APC may finally bring stability after months of conflict. They hope it will allow the state government to focus on development projects, job creation, and improving public services rather than political battles.
Others fear the defection may deepen rivalries, especially between supporters of Wike and Fubara. They worry that the political atmosphere could remain tense if both camps continue to compete for dominance.
For now, the governor has called for unity and urged residents to focus on peace and progress. He assured them that the move to the APC will help strengthen the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.
Fubara’s defection is expected to have long-term effects on the political landscape in Rivers State and the Niger Delta region. With the 2027 general elections approaching, political alignments are already shifting across Nigeria. The governor’s move adds a new layer of uncertainty and excitement as parties prepare for future contests.
Whether the defection brings peace or deepens the political crisis in Rivers State will depend on how key players—including Wike, the PDP leadership, and APC stakeholders—react in the coming weeks.
