Rivers APC Says Fubara Is Welcome to Join the Party
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it is ready to welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara if he chooses to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This offer comes amid ongoing political tension in the state and widespread speculation that Fubara may be considering defection as part of a deal to resolve the crisis that led to his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on the matter, APC Chairman in Rivers State, Chief Emeka Beke, through his Chief of Staff, Chizi Enyi, said the party would gladly receive Fubara if he decided to switch sides. According to Beke, such a move would bring advantages to both Fubara and the APC, especially in gaining greater influence over state affairs.
“Sure, we will welcome the governor. Do we have an option? Welcoming the governor into the party will mean the APC gains a strategic advantage in Rivers State,” Beke stated.
He explained that states led by governors from opposition parties often face challenges, especially regarding funding and inclusion in national and state activities. Beke said that with Fubara in the APC, the party would have more control and access, as the governor would automatically become the party leader in the state.
Will Governor Fubara join the APC?
Right now, it’s not confirmed. Fubara’s media aide on electronic media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, acknowledged that reconciliation talks between the governor and former political mentor and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, are still ongoing. He noted, however, that any report about the governor joining the APC is purely speculation for now.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council has distanced itself from political party politics. A member of the council, Anabs Sara-Igbe, who is also a pioneer spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, said the group only wants Fubara to be fully restored as governor. He criticised the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator of the state, calling it unconstitutional.
Responding to questions about whether Fubara should join APC to mend ties with Wike, Sara-Igbe said that party politics is not their concern. “We are not interested in any party. What we want is Sim’s return. That is our interest,” he said.
He added that Rivers people want the leader they elected, not someone else managing their resources.
Although nothing is official yet, political analysts say that if Governor Fubara defects, it could shift the balance of power in Rivers State. The APC appears eager for that possibility, hoping it will increase their influence in the oil-rich state.
