Amanze Chinonye
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending months of speculation and marking a major political shift in one of Nigeria’s most influential states, Prime Business Africa reports.
Fubara announced the decision on Tuesday evening during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt, declaring that his administration could not continue to offer “backyard support” to President Bola Tinubu.
He said aligning with the APC was necessary to ensure “full identification” with the President’s leadership and to stabilise governance in Rivers State.
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The governor’s move followed intense political pressure and a wave of defections within the Rivers State House of Assembly. Seventeen lawmakers had earlier dumped the PDP for the APC, significantly altering the political balance in the state and heightening expectations that Fubara would eventually cross over as well.
Explaining his decision, Fubara said the PDP failed to protect him during the prolonged political crisis that engulfed the state. He pointed to events earlier in the year when President Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers an intervention that led to his suspension, together with his deputy and members of the state legislature, amid deepening internal party hostilities.
The emergency rule was lifted in September 2025, paving the way for Fubara’s reinstatement. Since then, he has repeatedly acknowledged what he described as the President’s “special favour” in his return to office an indication of his growing alignment with the APC before Tuesday’s formal declaration.
Political observers say the governor’s defection could reshape power dynamics in the South-South, a region long seen as a stronghold of the PDP.
With the governor and a sizeable bloc of lawmakers now in the APC, Rivers State may see closer cooperation with the federal government in the coming months as reactions continue to trail the development.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
