Fubara Now Discipled, Hints at Defecting to APC *Says Tinubu rescued me
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sparked political speculation after hinting at a possible move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention in his recent political challenges.
In a candid remark shared on Wednesday, Governor Fubara said:
“Slowly but surely: Before PBAT stepped in to save me from political relegation, the place I call home has never made a move or stretched a helping hand to at least show me care. If you find me in the APC tomorrow, just know it is for the good of Rivers people.”
The governor’s statement appears to acknowledge the decisive role President Tinubu played in resolving the protracted political crisis that threatened his administration, and suggests a shift in loyalty born out of political necessity and self-preservation.
Background of the Crisis
Governor Fubara has faced months of internal wrangling within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, including a fierce standoff with members of the State House of Assembly and loyalists of his predecessor.
The power struggle, which nearly cost him his seat, was eventually de-escalated through federal-level intervention — widely attributed to President Tinubu’s mediation.
If Governor Fubara defects to the APC, it would mark a significant political realignment in one of Nigeria’s most strategic oil-producing states. It could also weaken the PDP’s grip on the South-South region, while boosting the APC’s growing presence there.
Political analysts believe that Fubara’s potential defection may trigger a ripple effect, influencing local stakeholders, lawmakers, and political loyalists ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As of press time, the PDP leadership has not issued an official response to the governor’s remarks.
Meanwhile, APC leaders in Rivers and Abuja are reportedly watching the developments closely, with sources suggesting preliminary talks may already be underway.
With Governor Fubara publicly opening the door to a political switch, Rivers State may soon become a new battleground in Nigeria’s ever-shifting political terrain.
