In a political upheaval with national ramifications, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has formally defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to report, the confirmation of this move was announced by the Governor in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, today.
It signals the reinforcement of a peace pact brokered by President Bola Tinubu and resolves a prolonged, public feud between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Rivers as the Prize: Why It Matters
Governor Fubara’s transition to the APC grants the ruling party direct control over Nigeria’s economic linchpin, a state central to the nation’s oil production and treasury revenue.
For the PDP, the loss of such a strategic stronghold represents a severe electoral and symbolic blow.
The defection is the definitive climax of a bitter succession dispute.
From Anointed Successor to Political Survivor
The conflict saw a faction of the state assembly, loyal to Wike, attempt to impeach the governor and later defect to the APC themselves, creating a protracted constitutional crisis.
With this move, Governor Fubara secures the protective umbrella of the party at the federal centre, likely neutralising the immediate threat to his office from the legislature.
However, it also prompts immediate legal and constitutional debates regarding the status of lawmakers who preceded him in defecting.
National reactions are swiftly emerging.
Legal Questions and Wike’s Shadow
The APC leadership has issued a statement welcoming the governor to its ranks, praising his decision.
The PDP is expected to convene an emergency meeting.
All eyes now shift to Minister Nyesom Wike, whose grip on Rivers’ political machinery now faces its toughest challenge yet.
WahalaUpdate understands this realignment could reshape Niger Delta politics and set a powerful new precedent ahead of the 2027 elections.
With the APC now positioned as the dominant force in one of the country’s most vital states.
PDP fold dwindles
Following Fubara’s defection, the PDP now has only 6 governors in its fold.
The PDP suffered a major setback recently.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State resigned, while Enugu’s Peter Mbah and Bayelsa’s Douye Diri defected.
The ruling APC maintains dominance with 25 governors across the country.
PDP holds one South-West, two North-East, two North-Central, no South-South, one North-West state.
Bayelsa and Enugu had remained long-time PDP strongholds, over two decades, anchoring the party’s South-South and South-East presence.
A Hypothetical Domino Effect for the PDP
The wave of defections fuels worries about PDP’s survival before 2027, as prominent members keep crossing over to the APC.
PDP governors currently in office are Ahmadu Fintiri, Bala Mohammed, Caleb Mutfwang, Agbu Kefas, Dauda Lawal, and Seyi Makinde.
Reports suggest Taraba Governor Kefas may resign after talks with APC leaders, further eroding PDP’s nationwide influence.
