𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞

Speculation is growing that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara may consider dumping the PDP for the APC as political tensions in the state deepen.

A major twist occurred last Friday when 17 lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, announced their defection from the PDP to the APC—instantly shifting the balance of power in the House of Assembly. The three lawmakers aligned with Fubara have not resumed sitting since the lifting of the six-month emergency rule, adding to uncertainty around the governor’s next political steps.

A prominent PDP chieftain and former federal lawmaker, Ogbonna Nwuke, said recent political changes in states such as Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa—previously considered strong PDP territories—point to a wider trend that could eventually draw Fubara toward the ruling party.

Nwuke noted that the PDP’s growing internal divisions, including the unusual issuance of an “expulsion certificate,” have pushed many members to explore alternatives. He added that constitutional provisions allowing defections during periods of national-level party crisis may further encourage political realignments.

On whether Fubara is preparing to join the APC, he said there are strong speculations that the ruling party has been courting him. However, he stressed that only the governor can confirm his intentions.

Meanwhile, a senior Government House official dismissed the rumours, insisting that Fubara has shown no sign of leaving the PDP. He also argued that even the lawmakers claiming to have joined the APC have not met the Supreme Court requirement of registering in their wards, making their declarations legally questionable.