PDP says Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s APC defection is self-inflicted, warning of threats to democracy and rising one-party dominance
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as self-inflicted and a result of his own choices.
Also read: Fubara Defects to APC, PDP Condemns Political Pressure
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, stated in a Tuesday press release that the governor’s political troubles reflect a dysfunctional democracy, where powerful individuals use federal machinery to overpower institutions and crush opponents.
Fubara announced his defection on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Monday.
He cited loyalty to the President and a perceived lack of protection from the PDP as motivations for the switch.
Ememobong expressed pity for Fubara, invoking the legal maxim Volenti non fit injuria “to one who is willing, no harm can be done” noting that the governor “willingly travelled the path that took him to this destination.”
The PDP spokesman warned against Fubara developing Stockholm Syndrome, where a victim becomes attached to their oppressor, while reiterating the party’s gratitude to civil society organisations and Nigerians who supported the governor during the political crisis.
“The Rivers situation is a testament to the dysfunctional nature of our democracy, where individuals are bigger and stronger than institutions and can use the apparatus of the Federal Government to obfuscate political life out of their opponents and bring them to their knees,” Ememobong added.
The PDP further cautioned that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat, citing the ruling party’s push towards a one-party system and constriction of political space.
Also read: APC blames Oyo’s Makinde, shields Tinubu over PDP woes
Ememobong urged all well-meaning Nigerians to oppose what he described as a “progressive decline of democratic norms” and a slide toward electoral authoritarianism.
