By Muhammad Mamman
In a startling development that threatens to upend the political landscape of Rivers State, reports have emerged claiming that Siminalayi Fubara has defected from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement — if confirmed — marks a dramatic turn in a saga that has saw the state endure months of legal and political turmoil.
The defection rumours come on the heels of a major shift in the State Assembly, where 17 lawmakers, loyal to the former governor-turned-minister Nyesom Wike, abandoned the PDP for the APC. The lawmakers’ move tilted the balance of power in favour of the ruling party, prompting accusations of internal sabotage within the PDP.
If Fubara has indeed crossed over, it would signal a major realignment — given that the governor only recently returned to office after a six-month suspension and the lifting of an emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu.
Political analysts say such a move could consolidate APC’s grip on Rivers State politics: combining executive and legislative forces under one party might bring more stability — or trigger fresh tensions within local power structures.
However, insiders remain cautious: as of now no official statement has been issued by Fubara or the leadership of either party confirming the defection. The state remains on edge as Rivers residents and political stakeholders await clarity.
The potential defection has raised more questions than answers — about the future of governance in Rivers State, the fate of PDP loyalists, and how such a realignment might shape upcoming local and national elections.
