Rivers State has been thrown into a new wave of political drama as Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party at the federal level under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The governor reportedly made the announcement on Tuesday during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt. His decision represents a major political shift in Rivers State—a region that has long been regarded as a PDP stronghold—and is expected to reshape alliances, influence electoral strategies, and alter the balance of power ahead of future elections.
This development follows recent remarks by Governor Fubara, who acknowledged that he remained in office beyond the turbulent six-month emergency rule period due largely to what he described as the “special favour” of President Tinubu. Speaking at the combined 37th and 38th convocation ceremony of the Rivers State University (RSU) on December 6, Fubara stated that federal intervention was crucial in sustaining his administration during its most challenging period.
He assured the university community that his administration had resumed full governance responsibilities and would address the concerns raised by the institution’s management, noting that earlier delays were caused by the prolonged political instability in the state.
Rivers State faced months of intense political upheaval due to the bitter feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The conflict resulted in institutional paralysis, divided legislative bodies, mass defections, and power struggles between rival political camps. The worsening crisis eventually compelled the Federal Government to declare a six-month emergency rule to restore order, suspend parallel legislative activities, and prevent further breakdown of governance.
During that period, many core aspects of state administration fell under federal oversight. Fubara’s eventual restoration to full executive authority was widely viewed as the result of negotiations and peace efforts led by President Tinubu, who intervened multiple times to douse the tension.
Meanwhile, last Friday, 16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly—loyal to former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike—also defected from the PDP to the APC. Their move confirmed earlier reports predicting a major political realignment in the state.
Newday Reporters had earlier revealed that Wike’s influence in the Presidency appeared to be waning, as senior members of Tinubu’s inner circle reportedly grew increasingly uncomfortable with the controversies trailing the former governor since his appointment as FCT Minister.
Governor Fubara’s defection now adds a dramatic new layer to the unfolding political realignments in Rivers State and signals a significant turning point in the state’s political future.
