Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has described his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as an “easy choice,” saying he was never deeply involved in the internal affairs of the PDP.
Fubara made the remark on Thursday while speaking with journalists at the national headquarters of the APC in Abuja shortly after his formal reception by party leaders.
According to the governor, his time in the PDP was largely passive, as he merely observed party activities from what he described as the “balcony,” rather than playing an active role in decision-making processes. He said this made his decision to move to the APC straightforward and devoid of internal conflict.
“I was not really part of the core structure. I was just watching from the balcony,” Fubara said, adding that his defection was guided by the need to align with a political platform that would allow him to effectively pursue governance and development for Rivers State.
Fubara’s defection follows months of intense political tension in Rivers State, marked by a prolonged power struggle between him and his predecessor, former Governor Nyesom Wike, over the control of the PDP structure and party affairs in the oil-rich state.
The political feud had polarised the state’s political landscape, leading to divisions within the PDP and repeated confrontations between factions loyal to both leaders.
Speaking at the APC headquarters, Fubara expressed optimism about his new political home, saying he believes the APC provides a broader platform to deliver on his mandate to the people of Rivers State.
APC leaders welcomed the governor, describing his defection as a significant boost to the party’s influence in the South-South region and pledging their support for his administration.
The defection is expected to reshape the political dynamics in Rivers State ahead of future electoral contests.
