Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move is a gesture of gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for helping to stabilise the state during its political crisis.
Fubara announced his defection on Thursday at the Government House in Port Harcourt during a brief ceremony organised by the APC. He said aligning with the party at the centre was necessary for the state’s political and developmental interests.
The governor completed the APC membership form at the event and received his party slip and membership card from a delegation led by Rivers APC Chairman Tony Okocha and Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo.
Speaking after receiving his membership card, Fubara said his decision was aimed at ensuring smooth political cooperation with the president ahead of the 2027 elections. “I took this decision as my return of favour—my own way of clearing the bush to ensure that his re-election in 2027 will be easy and smooth in this state,” he said.
He added that joining the APC placed all stakeholders “in one flat” rather than supporting the president from separate political platforms. “Now that we are all in one party, the job is now easy to fulfil what we have promised the President,” he said.
Fubara also pledged to consolidate the APC’s presence and structure in Rivers State. He assured the party leadership that strengthening the APC would be a priority going forward.
“We will do everything to keep APC as the main and active progressive party in Rivers State,” he said. “From this minute, it is my duty to ensure the party is properly taken care of. Every need of the exco and the party becomes my responsibility.”
The governor said part of his new role within the party would be “to preach the news of Mr President” and “soften every strongman in this state” ahead of future political contests.