Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape.
The declaration was made on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The announcement followed a closed-door consultation with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Monday, where crucial decisions about the state’s political future were reportedly discussed.
Speaking at the gathering, which included prominent figures from both the PDP and APC, Governor Fubara explained that his move was motivated by what he described as the PDP’s inability to provide the necessary protection and support during the prolonged political unrest in Rivers State.
He noted that, in contrast, the APC demonstrated readiness to stand by him during the challenging period.
“I went to see Mr. President not just for a personal visit, but for a consultation on state matters,” Fubara said. “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. The struggles we faced were due to the crisis in the state.”
Reflecting on the political tension that had engulfed the state in recent months, the governor credited President Tinubu for providing stability at a critical moment.
He added, “If President Tinubu had not intervened, there wouldn’t be a Siminalayi Fubara today. 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.”
Governor Fubara’s defection is expected to significantly reshape political alignments within Rivers State.
The development also strengthens the APC’s influence in the South-South region, where the PDP has traditionally held a strong footing.
