A high-ranking government official in Rivers State, Nigeria, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, submitted his resignation letter to the PDP Chairman of Ward 1, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, on January 5, 2026. In the letter, Anabraba cited personal reasons for his decision to leave the party.
Anabraba expressed gratitude for the political opportunities he gained during his membership in the PDP. Although he did not disclose his next political move, sources suggest that he may have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in the state. This development is part of a larger trend of mass defections from the PDP to the APC in Rivers State, which began after Governor Siminalayi Fubara left the opposition party.
The state is currently experiencing a political crisis, with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara engaging in a public feud. Fubara’s decision to join the APC is seen as a strategic move to secure his re-election in 2027, while Wike has vowed to oppose his former ally’s bid. The ongoing power struggle between the two politicians is expected to shape the state’s political landscape in the coming months.
The resignation of Dr. Anabraba and other high-profile defections from the PDP may have significant implications for the party’s prospects in future elections. As the political landscape in Rivers State continues to evolve, observers are watching closely to see how these developments will impact the state’s governance and the balance of power in the region. With the 2027 elections approaching, the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State is likely to remain a major focus of attention for politicians, analysts, and citizens alike.
