Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is widely believed to be preparing to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), according to insiders familiar with developments at the Government House. If confirmed, the move would mark one of the most significant political realignments in the state since the 2023 elections.
Fubara’s anticipated defection comes on the heels of his reconciliation with his former political mentor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The falling-out between both men began in late 2023 and quickly spiraled into a full-scale political crisis. Tensions reached a peak when lawmakers loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara, culminating in the burning of part of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in October 2023.
As the situation worsened, the Federal Government stepped in. In March 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State, an extraordinary measure that led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state legislature for six months. During this period, governance was handed to a sole administrator—former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok Ekwe Ibas—until democratic leadership was restored in September 2025.
Sources cited by The Whistler believe the governor’s planned switch to the APC may be a strategic move to rebuild his political footing after a bruising internal struggle that left the state PDP deeply fractured. Aligning with the federal ruling party could provide him with stronger political backing and shield him from renewed hostilities within his former political camp.
Fubara, once the state’s Accountant General, clinched the PDP governorship ticket in May 2022 with Wike’s support and went on to win the 2023 election with a commanding lead of more than 300,000 votes over APC candidate Tonye Cole. A defection to the APC would not only reshape Rivers State politics but also bolster the ruling party’s influence nationwide, adding another governor to its ranks as the 2027 election cycle begins to take shape.
If the reports prove accurate, Fubara’s next political steps could redefine alliances in Rivers State and determine the future balance of power in Nigeria’s South-South region.
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