The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has responded to the defection of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a situation where a captive has fallen in love with their captor. This comment was made by the party’s factional National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, during an interview on Channels Television.

Governor Fubara’s decision to defect from the PDP to the APC was announced on Tuesday, with the governor citing the PDP’s failure to protect him during the recent political crisis in Rivers State as the reason for his move. According to Ememobong, the PDP sympathizes with Fubara but disagrees with his assessment of the situation. Ememobong suggested that Fubara is suffering from a form of “Stockholm syndrome,” where he has become overly sympathetic to the APC, which he perceives as his rescuer.

Ememobong also criticized Fubara’s attempt to deflect blame, stating that the governor is aware of the true origin of his problems and should take responsibility for his actions. The PDP spokesperson pointed out that Fubara had previously taken the party to court over the issue of defection and was aware of the facts surrounding the case.

The defection of Governor Fubara is seen as a significant development in Nigerian politics, with potential implications for the balance of power in the country. The PDP’s response highlights the ongoing tensions within the party and the challenges it faces in maintaining unity among its members. As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, the consequences of Fubara’s defection will likely be closely watched by observers and analysts.

The PDP’s criticism of Fubara’s decision also underscores the complexities of Nigerian politics, where alliances and affiliations can shift rapidly. The party’s statement serves as a reminder that political loyalty and allegiance are highly valued in the country’s political culture. With the APC and PDP being two of the main political parties in Nigeria, the dynamics between them will continue to shape the country’s political trajectory.