Governor Sim Fubara Defects to APC, Credits President Tinubu for Political Survival
Port Harcourt | December 9, 2025
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| Governor Fubara in a warm handshake with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House yesterday. |
In a major political development, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Fubara made the announcement today during a stakeholders meeting held at the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt.
During the event, the Governor acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decisive role in stabilizing his administration during the recent political crisis in the state. He declared:
“Without President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there will be no Governor Siminalayi Fubara — rather, it would have been former Governor.”
Fubara’s defection comes months after the declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, which was lifted earlier this year following the Governor’s reinstatement by the Federal Government. The crisis stemmed from a fierce political standoff between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, both of the PDP at the time.
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Political watchers say Fubara’s switch to the ruling APC could significantly alter the political balance in Rivers State, historically a PDP stronghold, and may have wider implications for the 2027 general elections.
The Governor’s move follows a wave of recent defections in the state, including that of the Speaker and several members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the APC.
As of press time, the PDP leadership in the state is yet to issue an official statement reacting to the development.
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In another latest development, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State defects to Accord Party