Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the move is a gesture of reciprocity to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support during the state’s political crisis.
Fubara made the announcement on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
He explained that his decision to join the APC was driven by the consistent cooperation, encouragement, and political backing his administration has received from the president since the turmoil that engulfed the state in late 2023.
“We can’t support Mr President if we don’t fully identify with him; not backyard support,” Fubara said.
“So, we have taken that decision today since we have gotten a pass. Everyone here, who followed and suffered with me, our decision today is that we are moving to APC.”
Fubara’s defection comes just days after 15 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martin Amaewhule, also crossed over to the APC.
Two days before the governor’s announcement, the 32-member assembly passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu and formally urged him to seek re-election.
With Fubara’s exit, the PDP is now left with six governors, with Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau reportedly planning to join the APC.
