Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fubara made the announcement on Tuesday, December 9, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, moments after visiting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday evening.
The defection marks one of the most significant political shifts in the South-South region, as Fubara joins other governors, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu, and Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, who have also left the PDP for the APC.
Speaking at the gathering, Fubara said his decision followed wide consultations and was driven by loyalty to President Tinubu, whom he credited for standing by him during his political challenges.
“You are aware that I went to see Mr President yesterday [Monday], and the reason why I went for that visit is not just a personal visit but a state interest consultation.
“I don’t want to make any mistake this time around. I wish also not to step on any landmine that anyone is laying for us,” Fubara said.
He explained that the meeting with President Tinubu reaffirmed his confidence in the APC, adding that his continued survival as governor was largely due to the president’s support.
READ ALSO: Fubara Meets Tinubu Behind Closed Doors Amid Rising Political Tensions in Rivers
“The most interesting part of the meeting is that what you all have been waiting for — the signal has finally arrived.
“We have full support and positive nod to leave where we are because we didn’t get any protection, to go to where the reason why we are still standing is because of that place,” he said.
Fubara added: “Without Mr President, there won’t be any ‘His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara.’ It would have been ‘former governor.’ So we have every reason to say thank you to Mr President, to support him.
“We can’t support President Tinubu if we don’t fully identify with him, not just with backyard support. So we have taken that decision here today… we are moving to the APC.”
Fubara’s defection caps months of speculation over his strained relationship with elements of the PDP in Rivers State and his increasingly warm ties with the presidency.
His public alignment with Tinubu is expected to reshape the political balance not only in Rivers but across the South-South region.