Defection to APC: I was never truly a PDP member — Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally declared his alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a homecoming and an expression of gratitude rather than a sudden political shift.

Fubara made the declaration on Wednesday after a visit to the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, in Abuja. He said his decision to join the ruling party followed his long-held progressive ideals and was one of the easiest choices of his political career.

According to the governor, his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last week did not represent a dramatic change in ideology, as he had always identified with progressive values.

“When you say a new member of the Progressives, that is correct, but I’ve always been progressive at heart,” Fubara said. “Now we have a direction. Previously, we may not have had clear leadership, but now that I am a member, I will ensure everyone comes together for unity and progress in the state.”

He assured APC leaders and supporters that his entry into the party would strengthen internal cohesion in Rivers State, noting that there was no cause for concern as the party now had clear leadership and focus.

Fubara described his defection as a gesture of appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the APC-led federal government, stressing that the move was driven by a desire to work with fellow progressives to advance development.

“My transition was one of the easiest things I’ve done in my life. Joining the APC is my way of saying thank you to Mr President and partnering with other progressives to develop Rivers State and Nigeria. It was not difficult at all,” he said.

Reflecting on his time in the PDP, the governor questioned whether he was ever truly part of the party, especially in light of the prolonged political crisis that rocked Rivers State.

“If I’m being honest, was I really a member of the PDP? I wasn’t. About 90 per cent of what I suffered during the political crisis was imposed on me by the party,” he stated.

Fubara added that he deliberately stayed away from internal party factions during the crisis, saying, “You couldn’t associate me with any group. I was just on the balcony — neither inside the house nor outside.”

His remarks signal a clear break from the PDP and a renewed commitment to the APC as he positions himself within the ruling party’s political structure.