Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara defects to APC; PDP accuses ruling party of orchestrating political pressure amid South-South shift
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, joining other South-South governors in a move that has shifted the region’s political balance.
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The PDP immediately accused the APC of orchestrating the political crisis that prompted Fubara’s exit.
Fubara joins Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Siri, making all six South-South states now governed by the APC.
At an emergency stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Fubara said his defection was in the interest of Rivers State, explaining that the PDP had failed to protect him and that his continued recognition as “His Excellency” stemmed from the support of President Bola Tinubu.
Fubara told party loyalists: “The most interesting part of the meeting is what you all have been waiting for… we have the full support. We have the positive nod to leave where we are, because we didn’t get any protection… So we have taken that decision today, this evening, we are moving to APC.”
Following his announcement, Fubara ordered the removal of the PDP flag from the Government House, declaring that “our position has been made clear” and thanking supporters for their loyalty.
Present at the meeting were Secretary to the State Government Dr Benibo Anabraba, former SSG Dr Tammy Danagogo, former Ambassador Oji Ngofa, and all former local government chairmen who served under Fubara.
The PDP condemned the defection, describing it as evidence of Nigeria’s “dysfunctional democracy,” where powerful individuals allegedly use federal apparatus to undermine opposition.
National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong warned that the ruling party’s dominance threatened Nigeria’s democratic norms and called on citizens and the international community to resist a slide toward one-party rule.
Factional Rivers PDP chairman Robinson Ewor insisted the party remained intact despite the governor’s departure, stressing that the APC had long exerted influence in the state, controlling local governments, boards and parastatals.
Fubara’s defection follows escalating tensions with former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, which culminated in a state of emergency in March 2025.
During the six-month suspension of Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas acted as sole administrator to restore stability.
The political shift was accelerated when 16 members of the state House of Assembly and 22 of the 23 local government chairmen declared support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, effectively consolidating APC influence in the region.
Former House of Representatives member Chief Ogbonna Nwuke described Fubara’s defection as a reflection of broader political realignments in the South-South.
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With his exit, the APC now controls all six South-South states Edo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, and Cross River marking a significant regional shift.
