Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has stated that joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a straightforward decision for him. The governor made this statement on Thursday while addressing journalists at the APC headquarters in Abuja. This move comes after a prolonged political dispute with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over control of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Rivers State.
The conflict led to President Bola Tinubu suspending Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. Following their reinstatement in September, Fubara formally defected from the PDP to the APC on December 9, 2025. This development is seen as a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Fubara described himself as a progressive at heart, emphasizing his commitment to unity within the APC to drive development in Rivers State and Nigeria. He characterized his transition to the APC as one of the easiest decisions he has made, driven by a desire to express gratitude to President Tinubu and collaborate with other progressives to advance the state and nation.
The governor’s defection marks a notable shift in the political landscape of Rivers State, which has been marked by tensions between Fubara and Wike. As the APC prepares for the upcoming elections, Fubara’s move is expected to have implications for the party’s strategy and prospects in the region. With his newfound affiliation, the governor is poised to play a key role in shaping the APC’s agenda for Rivers State and contributing to the party’s national efforts.
