Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC), marking one of the most dramatic political shifts in the state since the return of democratic rule.
The governor’s move, confirmed on Tuesday, has instantly reshaped the political landscape in Rivers State and intensified speculations ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Fubara, who has been at the center of a prolonged political crisis involving his predecessor and key political actors in the state, said his decision to join the APC was driven by his desire to ensure stability, accelerate development, and align with a platform he believes can guarantee “uninterrupted governance.”
Political analysts say the defection could significantly boost the APC’s influence in Rivers State, a strategic stronghold traditionally dominated by the PDP for over two decades.
APC national leaders have welcomed the governor into the party, describing his defection as a “major victory” that signals a new chapter in Rivers politics. They also assured him of full support as he continues to steer the affairs of the state.
Meanwhile, the PDP is expected to respond formally, with party insiders already describing Fubara’s departure as a “betrayal” that could trigger internal restructuring.
The governor’s surprise switch is expected to spark a fresh wave of political realignments, with lawmakers, commissioners, and major stakeholders likely to follow suit or reposition themselves ahead of future elections.
Rivers State now enters a new phase of political recalibration as residents and observers await the ripple effects of Fubara’s dramatic defection.