Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a major shift in the South-South political landscape. The announcement came on Tuesday during an emergency stakeholders meeting at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

Fubara, whose defection follows a turbulent period in Rivers politics, cited lack of protection from his former party and his continued recognition as “His Excellency” due to President Bola Tinubu’s support as key reasons for the move.

“We have the positive nod to leave where we are, because we didn’t get any protection. Without Mr President, there wouldn’t be any His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara,” the governor said during the meeting.

Immediately after the announcement, supporters chanted, “On your mandate we shall stand,” while Fubara ordered the removal of the PDP flag from the Government House.

PDP Reacts: Democracy Under Threat

The PDP described Fubara’s defection as a reflection of a dysfunctional democracy, accusing the APC of using federal machinery to undermine opposition parties. In a statement, National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong warned:

“Democracy is terribly threatened…everyone must rise together to oppose this ignoble trip toward electoral authoritarianism.”

Ememobong added that Fubara’s political troubles were largely self-inflicted, noting that the governor had voluntarily followed a path that exposed him to federal pressure.

Factions within the PDP in Rivers State, including state chairman Robinson Ewor, maintained that the party remained intact despite the defection, stressing that the APC had effectively captured the state during the emergency rule.

Political Context: Emergency Rule and APC Consolidation

Fubara’s relationship with former Rivers Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, prompting President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025. During the emergency, Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the entire State House of Assembly were suspended, with retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas appointed as sole administrator.

Following the return from emergency rule on September 18, Fubara’s rift with the PDP-aligned lawmakers persisted. On December 5, 16 members of the Rivers House of Assembly defected to the APC, citing PDP factionalisation.

Further consolidating APC influence, 22 of the 23 local government chairmen declared support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, leaving only Opobo/Nkoro LGA chairman—from Fubara’s home LGA—outside the fold.

Political analysts suggest that Fubara’s move is influenced by the wider South-South political realignment, where APC now governs all six states: Edo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, and Cross River.

Implications for Rivers and National Politics

Fubara’s defection strengthens APC’s grip in the South-South ahead of the 2027 general elections. With the state now fully aligned with the ruling party, observers expect a shift in governance priorities and political allegiances, particularly at the local government level.

The PDP, however, insists that the party’s structure remains intact and continues to serve as a platform for political engagement in Rivers and across Nigeria.

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