Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has explained his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it was to reciprocate President Bola Tinubu’s role in stabilising the state.
According to the governor, aligning Rivers State with the Federal Government was necessary to strengthen cooperation with the centre and ensure political stability.
Fubara made the remarks during his formal reception into the APC at the Government House in Port Harcourt, where he completed the party’s membership process and received his membership card. The APC delegation was led by the party’s state chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, and included the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.
Speaking after receiving his card, Fubara described his defection as a “return of favour,” noting that it was aimed at easing President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“I took this decision as my return of favour; my own clearing of the bush to ensure that his re-election in 2027 will be easy and smooth in this state,” he said. “Now that we are all in one party — though we have always supported from different platforms — we are now in one platform, and the task becomes easier.”
The governor also pledged to strengthen the APC in Rivers State, assuring party leaders of his full commitment to sustaining the party’s structure.
“I want to assure you that we will do everything to keep the APC as the main and active progressive party in Rivers State. From this moment, every need of the party and its executives becomes my responsibility,” he said.
Fubara added that the state must prepare to deliver overwhelming support for President Tinubu, stressing that the task ahead includes spreading the President’s message, addressing political resistance, and ensuring a smooth victory for the APC in Rivers State.
