Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has opened up on his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) “failed” and “abandoned” him during the political crisis that led to his suspension earlier this year.
Speaking at the APC national secretariat on Wednesday night, Fubara described the decision to switch parties as “one of the easiest” he has made.
“If I have to be honest, was I really a member of the PDP? I wasn’t,” he told reporters. “During the crisis, you can’t associate me with any group. I was just at the balcony—I wasn’t inside the house.”
Crisis and Defection
Fubara was suspended from office for six months following the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu—a move challenged by PDP state attorneys-general in the Supreme Court.
The governor lamented that the PDP offered no meaningful support during that period, prompting his shift to the ruling party.
“My joining the APC is to say thank you to Mr. President and to join hands with other progressives to develop my state and Nigeria at large,” he stated.
Call to Supporters
In a separate event in Emohua Local Government, Fubara directed his loyalists to transfer their support to President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The task ahead is simple… transfer this support to our leader, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu,” he urged, claiming that mobilization efforts were already “70% done.”
The APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, welcomed Fubara, declaring that Rivers completes APC’s dominance in the South-South and significantly boosts the party’s national strength.
Defections Spread
Fubara’s move has triggered further realignments. Three pro-Fubara PDP House of Representatives members and one Labour Party federal lawmaker also defected to the APC on Thursday, citing internal crises and litigation within their former parties.
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Disclaimer: This report is based on statements from Governor Siminalayi Fubara and APC officials. CDA News Nigeria does not endorse any political party or individual.
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