Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday completed his registration with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and received his membership card, formally cementing his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The move positions him as the automatic leader of the APC in the state.
Speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, after receiving the card, Fubara said his decision to join the APC was driven by his commitment to the “safety, protection, progress, and sustained development of Rivers State.”
He dumped the PDP—on whose platform he was elected governor in 2023—four days after 17 members of the state House of Assembly resigned from the party and defected to the APC.
Addressing concerns from supporters, Fubara explained that aligning with the ruling party at the federal level was necessary for political stability and accelerated development. He said supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was “not just political alignment,” but also an appreciation for the President’s assistance “in keeping the Rivers State government standing through its most challenging moments.”
With the state and federal government now under one political umbrella, Fubara said the path to strengthening the APC and preparing for 2027 had become “clearer and more achievable.” He assured the party’s national leadership that Rivers State would remain an APC stronghold under his watch, pledging full support for the party structure across the state.
He also thanked supporters and leaders who stood by him and urged them to heighten their commitment as the state enters “a new phase of political consolidation and development.”
Representing the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, the State Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, congratulated Fubara, describing his defection as “sound, patriotic and in the best interest of the state.” He said Fubara’s entry into the APC heralds a new era of unity among Rivers political stakeholders.
The registration documentation, handled by State Secretary Chief Eric Nwibani, was witnessed by the Minister of Aviation, Chief Festus Keyamo, alongside political leaders and close allies of the governor.
