Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This high-profile move, announced by the governor during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, signals a major shift in the political balance of the state, which has historically been a strong base for the PDP in the South-South region. The defection is expected to have significant consequences for future power dynamics and party alignments.
Context of Defection
Fubara’s decision follows a period of intense political instability in Rivers State, rooted in a bitter conflict with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This crisis involved institutional clashes, the defection of legislative members, and rival political factions, ultimately leading the Federal Government to impose a six-month emergency rule to restore stability and suspend rival legislative activities.
Tinubu’s Role Acknowledged
Just days before his defection announcement, Fubara publicly credited President Bola Tinubu with his continued tenure as governor. Speaking at the Rivers State University (RSU) convocation ceremony, Fubara stated that his administration’s survival and return to full executive power following the political turmoil was only possible through the “special favor” and intervention of the President.
He directly linked the institutional challenges faced by the university to the political crisis, noting, “It is only by the special grace of God, the special favor from Mr. President, that we are standing here still as the ones presiding over the affairs of Rivers State.” His comments underscored the critical role President Tinubu played in brokering negotiations that de-escalated tensions and paved the way for the governor to resume his duties fully.
Legislative Precedent and FCT Minister’s Status
Fubara’s move comes on the heels of the mass defection of 16 Rivers State House of Assembly members, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, from the PDP to the ruling APC last Friday. These lawmakers are known to be loyal to FCT Minister Wike.
Simultaneously, reports have emerged suggesting a cooling of relations between President Tinubu’s inner circle and Minister Wike, who has faced increasing scrutiny since joining the federal cabinet. These converging events highlight an evolving political landscape in which the FCT minister may be losing political leverage at the national level.
