Rivers State was thrown into fresh political upheaval on Tuesday evening after Governor Siminalayi Fubara finally ended months of rumour and speculation by defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor announced the decision during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Port Harcourt—an atmosphere thick with expectation and tension.
A Long-Brewing Crisis
Fubara’s defection is the latest chapter in a prolonged political conflict that has gripped Rivers State since late 2023. The power struggle between the governor and his estranged political benefactor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, split the PDP in Rivers and triggered a series of institutional collisions, including the emergence of parallel factions in the State House of Assembly.
The crisis deepened earlier this year when the Federal Government declared a state of emergency in Rivers State between March 18 and September 18, suspending the governor, his deputy, and the entire 32-member House of Assembly. Though later reversed, the episode exposed the fragility of the PDP structure in the state and set the stage for Fubara’s slow drift away from the party.
Multiple peace interventions—including a high-profile reconciliation effort led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—sought to contain the crisis. Political insiders say one of the conditions quietly placed on the negotiation table was Fubara’s potential defection to the ruling party, a move that has now materialised.
The Announcement
Speaking to stakeholders, Fubara described his move as “good news” for Rivers people. He confirmed meeting with President Tinubu on Monday to brief him on current developments, praising the President for his support and for helping the state weather its political storms.
According to the governor, “it is better for us to move from where we are to where it is better for Rivers State.” With his trademark calm, he assured supporters that the state possesses the numerical and political strength to make a decisive transition into the APC.
His announcement follows the defection of 17 PDP lawmakers—led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule—who crossed over to the APC on Sunday, signalling a coordinated shift in the political alignment of the state.
Implications for National Politics
Fubara’s exit from the PDP means the APC now controls all six states in the South-South region, a development that has sparked debate among political observers who fear that Nigeria could be inching toward a one-party dominance.
The move also leaves the Rivers PDP further weakened and internally fractured.
Reactions
Despite the political tremor, the Rivers State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Robinson Ewor, declared firmly that he would not follow the governor.
“He has the right to choose where he wants to belong. But if he leaves the PDP today, I will not follow him anywhere,” Ewor said.
