Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesday formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending months of speculation over his political future.
Fubara declared his move during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Port Harcourt, marking one of the most significant political realignments in the state since the return of democracy in 1999.
Rivers State, traditionally a PDP stronghold, has been at the centre of intense political tensions since the rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, escalated into a full-blown crisis that disrupted governance and polarized political structures.
The governor’s defection comes just days after he publicly acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s role in stabilizing his administration following months of turmoil.
Speaking at the 37th and 38th convocation of the Rivers State University in Port Harcourt last Friday, Fubara said his continued stay in office during the period of federal intervention was made possible by “the special favour” of President Tinubu.
“It is only by the special grace of God, the special favour from Mr President, that we are standing here still as the ones presiding over the affairs of Rivers State,” the governor stated while responding to concerns raised by the university management.
He assured the institution’s staff and students that his government had “fully resumed administrative responsibility” and would address pending issues.
Rivers State had been thrown into prolonged political turmoil following the bitter fallout between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The crisis led to parallel legislative sittings, defections, and clashes between rival political groups.
The Federal Government eventually intervened to prevent what it described as an imminent breakdown of order, imposing temporary emergency measures and suspending activities of the warring legislative factions.
President Tinubu later brokered negotiations that paved the way for a return to normal governance, with Fubara resuming full executive powers thereafter.
Fubara’s move to the APC also follows last week’s mass defection of 16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who left the PDP for the APC.
The development has further altered the political balance in the state, strengthening the ruling party’s influence ahead of future elections.
The governor’s defection is expected to reshape alliances and intensify political recalculations in the South-South region.
Analysts say the development could determine the direction of subsequent political battles in the state, especially as both camps consolidate their structures.
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