By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC), over the defection of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing the ruling party of engineering the crisis that pushed him out of the PDP.
Fubara announced his move to the APC during a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, saying the PDP failed to protect him and that President Bola Tinubu’s support kept him in office.
He ordered the removal of PDP flags from Government House shortly after declaring his switch.
His defection means all six South-South states are now governed by the APC.
The PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, described the development as evidence of weakening democratic institutions, accusing the APC of attempting to create a one-party state.
Ememobong called Fubara’s decision “pitiful,” claiming the governor created the conditions for his own political woes.
In Rivers, factional PDP chairman Robinson Ewor said the move was unsurprising, insisting the party remains intact despite the governor’s exit.
Fubara’s switch comes after months of political turmoil, including a state of emergency declared in March following his clash with former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Though reinstated in September, tensions persisted, culminating in defections by lawmakers and local government chairmen to the APC in December.
Political observers say the governor’s move reflects wider realignments in the South-South ahead of 2027.
