Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State on Tuesday announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a major political shift in the state’s already tense power landscape.
Fubara disclosed his decision during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Port Harcourt, signalling what many analysts say could escalate the political realignments triggered by the prolonged crisis between the state’s executive and legislative arms.
His move follows the recent defection of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, who last week dumped the PDP alongside 15 other lawmakers. Announcing their switch during plenary, Amaewhule had cited what he described as a “clear division” within the PDP as justification for abandoning the party.
He declared at the time: “APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time.”
Governor Fubara’s defection is expected to further reshape the political dynamics in Rivers State, where both factions of the Assembly and the governor’s camp have been embroiled in a year-long power tussle.
Rivers State has been engulfed in a protracted political crisis stemming from a breakdown of relations between Governor Fubara and factions loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The rift, which began shortly after Fubara assumed office, triggered parallel sittings, court litigations, and contested legislative actions.
The recent wave of defections to the APC reflects deepening divisions within the PDP in the state, as both camps battle for control of the political structure. With the governor now aligning with the APC, the balance of power in the state could shift dramatically, potentially redefining alliances ahead of future electoral contests.
