Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a deliberate step to align the state with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and foster unity with the federal government.
Fubara, who formally announced his defection earlier in the week, was officially received into the APC on Friday, December 12, at the Government House in Port Harcourt, where he was presented his membership card by the Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha.
Speaking at the brief ceremony, the governor described his political shift as both strategic and symbolic, aimed at ensuring stability and unlocking development opportunities for the state.
“We cannot pursue a different direction when the President is pursuing another,” Fubara said. “Joining the APC is part of our commitment to ensure a seamless working relationship and to contribute meaningfully to his re-election efforts in the state.”
Fubara emphasized that his administration’s priority is to maintain peace and cooperation, explaining that aligning fully with President Tinubu’s political vision will strengthen Rivers State’s access to federal support.
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“Aligning with President Tinubu,” he said, “would help unlock development opportunities and secure the future of the state.”
He further described the defection as “a spiritual assignment,” saying Rivers must not operate in isolation from the political direction of the nation.
The governor also used the occasion to appreciate the APC leadership for their warm reception and pledged to revitalise the party’s presence in Rivers State.
“This is now your home, Mr Chairman. We will keep the APC active and fully functional in Rivers State, and every need of the party will be taken care of,” Fubara assured.
Fubara’s defection marks one of the most significant political developments in Rivers in recent years, a move that strengthens APC’s influence in the South-South and signals new political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.