Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara confirms Fubara’s defection to the APC after consultations with President Tinubu, widening PDP losses
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday in Port Harcourt announced Fubara’s defection to the All Progressives Congress after securing approval to leave the Peoples Democratic Party.
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Governor Fubara said the decision followed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Monday, which he described as a consultation centred on the interests of Rivers State.
Governor Fubara explained that he was permitted to exit the PDP because, in his words, the party no longer offered adequate protection.
He told party stakeholders at the gathering that he was determined to avoid political missteps and steer clear of what he called potential landmines.
He added that his visit to President Tinubu was not driven by personal ambition but by what he believed to be the most responsible course for the state.
The declaration drew strong reactions from supporters who had anticipated the move amid weeks of speculation.
Fubara’s defection places him among an expanding group of governors originally elected under the PDP who have crossed to the APC.
The momentum intensified throughout 2025, as several governors cited the need to align with the Federal Government for developmental and political stability.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno all switched to the APC earlier in the year.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke left the PDP in November, later joining the Accord Party amid prolonged internal disputes.
Pressure has also mounted in Plateau and Taraba. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has faced public rallies urging a defection, although he has not confirmed any move.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas is expected to formally join the APC in January 2026, according to the state’s party leadership.
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Only six PDP governors remain in the party as of December 2025. The wave of defections marks a powerful reconfiguration of Nigeria’s political landscape, strengthening the APC while raising questions about the future of the PDP.
