Rivers PDP: Governor Fubara Free to Make Political Choice Amid Defection Speculations

The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed speculation that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the governor has the right to make any political decision in the interest of Rivers people.

State PDP Chairman, Dr. Robinson Ewor, speaking on Wednesday, said the governor had not communicated any intention to leave the party. “Whatever decision the governor takes is personal,” Ewor stressed, adding that he was unaware of any plan by Fubara to abandon the PDP.

The speculation intensified after Fubara was seen in Abuja on Monday with APC Governors’ Forum chairman, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, during a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. Analysts have suggested that his omission of PDP’s role in opposing the six-month emergency rule imposed on Rivers in March may signal a possible political realignment.

The federal government had declared the emergency rule on March 18 following a prolonged political crisis, which ended on September 18. Reports suggested that part of a peace deal allegedly signed by Fubara in June included a condition for him to defect to the APC – a move interpreted as aligning Rivers State with Tinubu’s 2027 re-election plans.

In his broadcast marking the end of the emergency rule, Fubara praised Nigerians and democratic institutions but did not acknowledge the PDP’s resistance, raising eyebrows given that 11 PDP governors had legally challenged the federal action.

On the ongoing probe of former sole administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retd) by the State House of Assembly, Ewor affirmed the legislature’s right to investigate. “The appointment of Ibas was unconstitutional. While I am not part of the probe, it is the right of the House to act,” he said.

Ewor also called for transparency in the truce between Governor Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, urging full disclosure of the peace agreement to assure Rivers people of its sincerity and guarantee lasting stability in the state.

“It is in the best interest of the state for all actors to ensure that the current peace effort endures for Rivers’ overall benefit and development,” he added.