Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has made a dramatic political move, announcing his defection from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision comes amidst a backdrop of political intrigue and strategic alliances. Fubara's decision was made public during a meeting with stakeholders at the Government House in Port Harcourt on December 9, 2025, just days after 17 Rivers lawmakers joined the APC. The timing is particularly intriguing, as it coincides with the end of a 6-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, during which Fubara returned to office.
In a bold statement, Fubara emphasized the importance of support and alignment with the President, saying, 'We have the full support, we have a positive note to leave where we are, because we didn’t get any protection. To go to where, the reason why we are still standing is because of that place.' He further highlighted the President's pivotal role in his political career, stating, 'Without Mr. President, there won’t be any His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara. He wouldn’t have been former governor.'
Fubara's defection was not just a personal decision but a strategic move, as he assured his supporters, 'We have every reason because the truth, let nobody be fooled in this state, we have the people, we have the supporters. and we have the number.' He emphasized the need for a unified and supportive approach towards the President, saying, 'Our only thank you to Mr President is to support him. And we cannot support Mr. President in isolation, and we can’t support Mr. President if we don’t fully identify with him, not backyard support.'
The governor's decision to join the APC was made official, stating, 'So we have taken that decision today since we’ve gotten the pass. Everyone here who have followed me, who have suffered with me, our decision today, this evening, we are moving to APC.' This move is expected to have significant implications for the political landscape of Rivers State and beyond, as Fubara's support and influence could potentially shift the balance of power in the region.
