Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the All Progressives Congress. He announced his defection during a major stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Fubara’s move followed similar defections by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor Umo Eno, Governor Peter Mbah, and Governor Duoye Diri. These governors left the PDP and aligned with the APC for renewed political cooperation.
During the meeting, Fubara explained that genuine support for President Bola Tinubu required full political alignment. He stressed that partial loyalty could not sustain national stability or regional development. He then declared that his supporters had unanimously agreed to move into the APC.
His decision came shortly after he visited President Tinubu at the State House on Monday. He arrived at the Villa around 5:01 p.m. and later met with the President. However, details of their discussion remained undisclosed.
Earlier on March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following heightened political unrest. He suspended Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers for six months. He said the measure aimed to restore calm and protect democratic institutions across the state.
Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the interim administrator during the emergency period. After six months, Fubara returned to office and promised renewed peace-building efforts.
In a statewide broadcast, he described the period as difficult but necessary. He said he accepted the emergency rule to protect the state and maintain order.
Fubara later reconciled with Nyesom Wike and state lawmakers after President Tinubu brokered peace. He maintained that reconciliation was essential for Rivers State’s progress.
