Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Fubara made the announcement on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
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The Governor at the meeting, confirmed to political leaders and invited groups that he had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), effectively ending his long-standing association with the PDP.
He explained that his decision followed a Monday consultation with President Bola Tinubu, which he described as a strategic step to avoid “mistakes” and safeguard state stability.
He added that his move was also motivated by the need for a more stable political environment to enable his administration function effectively, noting that persistent internal conflicts had slowed governance, and that it was time to focus on the real work his administration was elected to deliver.
He said, “I went to see Mr President not for a personal visit but for a state‑interest consultation,” he said, adding that the President had taken note of the situation in Rivers State and would act swiftly.
Fubara stated that the long‑awaited signal for a political realignment had been received: “We have the full support and a positive nod to leave where we are.
”We didn’t get any protection where we were, and the reason we are still standing today is because of that new place.”
The governor credited President Tinubu for his continued leadership, stating, “Without Mr President, there wouldn’t be any His Excellency Siminalayi. It would have been a former governor.”
Emphasizing the practical necessity of his defection to the APC, Fubara said, “We cannot support Mr President in isolation.
We cannot give him backyard support. This evening, we are moving to the APC.
He assured supporters that the formal defection processes would commence immediately, reaffirming his commitment to collective political goals: “I have not let you down before, and I will not let you down now.”
Governor Fubara’s defection to APC didn’t come as a surprise to many, as he was said to have mentioned to close associates that he intended to seek counsel and advice to avoid another political crisis in the state.
Just last week, 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the FCT minister including the Speaker, Martins Amaehwule defected from the PDP to the APC, and resolved to go on recess till January, barely two months after resuming from a State of Emergency.
The lawmakers’ defection to APC, came less than 24 hours after the Assembly passed vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu, endorsing him for second term in office.
The lawmakers also accused Governor Fubara of refusing to submit a list of commissioner nominees.
In a related development, the 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State, under the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), alongside their deputies and ward councillors, have formally endorsed President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
The endorsement took place at the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council conference hall with full attendance by local government officials and other dignitaries.
The council chairmen used the occasion to highlight what they described as the President’s tangible contributions to Rivers State.
Rivers ALGON Chairman and Port Harcourt City Local Government Area Chairman, Alwell Ihundah, lauded the President for the inclusion of prominent Rivers indigenes in strategic federal positions, describing the appointments as a clear demonstration of the administration’s regard for the state.
Similarly, the Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has formally joined the Accord Party, barely 24 hours to the party’s gubernatorial primaries.
Recall that the Governor had earlier resigned from the People’s Democratic Party, citing the national crisis of the party.
It was gathered that the Accord Party is billed to hold it’s gubernatorial on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Adeleke in a statement by his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday, said the Governor noted that he will be seeking his re-election bid under the platform of the Accord Party.
He stressed that he opted for the Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with his passionate focus on citizens and workers’ welfare.
He added that the defection followed series of consultations, deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.
He said, “I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago precisely November 6th as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.
“Stakeholders and residents of Osun state are aware of why we are taking this important decision. We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends which have been applauded at home and abroad.
“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens and workers’ welfare.
“I welcome our party leaders into the Osun state Government House. You are now part of us as I am also now part of you. We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun state and Nigeria at large.
“At this historical point, our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for the elections. We have a duty to ensure an inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are cared for. Our party, Accord Party, is here to take over Osun governance and sustain the delivery of good governance in our dear state.
“Since I joined the party more than a month ago, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party. The focus on people’s welfare should always be at the heart of public leadership. The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well being of the people.
“As a governor, I have prioritized the welfare of our people, from workers to the entire citizenry. Day and night, we implement policies and programmes to elevate the wellbeing of our people. From infrastructure to social services, Osun has never had it so good in governance and service delivery.
“Today, we unveil the new platform for the good people of Osun state. From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year.
“From Igbomina to Ijeshaland to Ifeland to Osogbo to Iwoland to Modakeke to Gbongan to Igbajo to Ikire to Ikirun to Ede and other lands of Osun state, we must thumb up according to our collective desires for good governance.
“Osun voted for good governance in 2022 and they will support continuity in 2026. The mass of our people are for continuity and Accord is our party for victory next year.
“In accordance with the will of our stakeholders and to accord deep respect for the wishes of Osun people, I hereby accordingly declare for the Accord Party.”