The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally welcomed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara into the party, marking a major political shift in the state.
An APC delegation led by the state party chairman, Tony Okocha, and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, visited the governor at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday. During the visit, Fubara completed the APC membership form and received his party slip and membership card.
Fubara recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying his move to the APC aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. His defection follows months of political tensions in the state.
Speaking at the event, Okocha said he was instructed by the APC National Chairman to officially receive the governor.
“I was given the mandate to visit you and present our membership card as a prelude to your formal reception,” he said, adding that Fubara’s decision was “commendable” and had the backing of the party leadership.
Okocha, an ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, assured the governor of full support. “As your servant, the state chairman, we welcome you wholeheartedly and will be at your beck and call,” he stated.
In his remarks, Fubara said joining the APC was necessary to align Rivers State with the federal government for greater development. He said the state must not operate in isolation, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I took this decision to help ensure the president’s re-election in 2027. Now that we are in one party, the job is easier,” he said, adding that Rivers had long supported the centre “from different flats” but would now work from “one flat.”
Fubara pledged to strengthen the APC in the state.
“We will do everything to keep the APC strong and active in Rivers State,” he said. “Every need of the party and its executive becomes my responsibility from this moment.”
He added that the state chapter would work to “soften every strongman” and deliver a smooth victory for President Tinubu in 2027.