Port Harcourt / Abuja — Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has categorically dismissed rumours that he intends to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following his return to Nigeria from a private meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the United Kingdom.
Return from London Sparks Political Frenzy
Governor Fubara landed at Port Harcourt International Airport late Wednesday evening after what his office described as “routine consultations” with the President in London. Although official details of the discussions were not disclosed, speculation quickly mounted online that the Rivers State chief executive might be preparing to follow the recent defections of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno into the APC fold.
The rumours gained momentum after TJ News Nigeria reported on Wednesday that Governor Oborevwori formally left the PDP and joined the APC with the support of key party stalwarts, including former governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Observers noted that President Tinubu—seeking to shore up political support ahead of the 2027 general elections—had quietly courted a string of southern governors, heightening expectations of further realignments.
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Swift Denial via Media Office
Speaking on Thursday through his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, Fubara emphatically refuted the defection claims. “I’m not sure the governor is even aware of the defection rumour,” Omatsogunwa told our reporter. “As it stands now, we are still in the PDP, and nothing has changed.”
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Omatsogunwa added:
“As of this moment, April 24, 2025, at 9:46 a.m., Governor Siminalayi Fubara is still a committed member of the PDP. He remains the Deputy Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, a position he cherishes and upholds.”
Context: Oborevwori’s Defection and Regional Realignments
On Wednesday, Governor Oborevwori publicly announced his resignation from the PDP, informing his cabinet and local government chairmen before a high‐profile induction into the APC. His defection was accompanied by major PDP figures across Delta State, triggering an immediate mobilization drive in which commissioners, party executives, and ward‐level operatives were directed to secure APC membership cards.
Similarly, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno—long viewed as a rising star within the PDP—has been the subject of relentless speculation about his own party allegiance, though he has not yet made any public moves.
Political analysts interpret these shifts as part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to strengthen the APC’s foothold in the South‐South region, historically a PDP stronghold. By winning over influential governors, the APC aims to secure delegate blocs and pave the way for a southern vice‐presidential candidate in 2027.
Why Fubara Matters
Since his election in 2023, Governor Fubara has positioned himself as a reform‐minded leader, focusing on infrastructure rehabilitation, youth empowerment, and fiscal discipline in Rivers State. His elevation to Deputy Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum underscored his growing influence within the party.
Had he chosen to defect, Fubara’s departure would have represented a significant setback for the PDP, depriving it of one of its most high‐profile southern governors. His organizational machinery—including market unions, youth networks, and traditional council affiliations—has been credited with delivering crucial votes in past elections.
Fubara’s Message to Stakeholders
In his first direct message since returning, delivered via social media, Governor Fubara thanked Rivers State residents for their “warm reception” and reiterated his administration’s commitment to ongoing development projects:
“Let me assure the good people of Rivers State that your governor’s mandate remains intact. Our focus will not waver from improving roads, revitalizing agriculture, and expanding access to healthcare and education across the state.”
He further called on party faithful and civil servants to maintain “professional continuity” and to “disregard baseless rumours that seek to distract us from serving our people.”
Reactions from Political Circles
PDP Governors’ Forum
In Abuja, PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman Bala Mohammed commended Fubara’s loyalty. “Governor Fubara has demonstrated steadfast commitment to our party’s ideals,” Mohammed said. “His return to Nigeria punctuates our collective resolve to remain united and focused on delivering good governance.”
APC Response
Meanwhile, APC National Publicity Secretary Bala Ibrahim offered a more circumspect take. “We respect Governor Fubara’s decision to stay in his party,” Ibrahim remarked. “However, the APC remains open to leaders across the political spectrum who share our vision for national development.”
Civil Society Observers
Political commentator Dr. Efe Abiodun noted:
“The flurry of defections in the South‐South reveals deep anxieties among politicians about securing federal resources. Fubara’s choice to stay put may reflect confidence in his ability to drive reforms without the need to realign.”
The Road to 2027
With the next general elections still two years away, both major parties are intensifying efforts to consolidate support in strategic states like Rivers. For the APC, every defection raises the bar for potential governorship ticket negotiations. For the PDP, retaining influential figures like Fubara is critical to preventing a domino effect that could undermine the party’s electoral prospects in the Niger Delta.
Analysts contend that Rivers State’s governorship—and its bloc of National Assembly delegates—could prove decisive in national delegate counts and in configuring alliances for the presidential primary.
Looking Ahead
For now, Fubara’s emphatic denial offers temporary relief to the PDP’s southern leadership, but the broader realignment underway in the South‐South suggests that no one should underestimate the fluidity of Nigerian politics in the run‐up to 2027.
Additional reporting by Omajemte Don, TJ News Nigeria.
