✅ What happened?

Gov. Fubara formally announced his defection at a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt. He reportedly visited Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja just before the announcement.

His stated reason: the PDP “failed to protect” him during the political crisis in Rivers State; he said APC promised the support and protection needed for his administration. Fubara also framed the move as aligning his government fully with the President — not just as “backyard support.”

🔄 What changed — and why it matters

This defection ends the decades-long dominance of PDP in Rivers State. It strengthens APC’s control over the South-South region: with Rivers now in the APC fold, the ruling party consolidates more power.

The switch may signal a broader realignment ahead of 2027 general elections — alliances and loyalties are shifting.

We are aligning  fully with the President — not just as “backyard support.”.

Fubara.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 REACTIONS & CONTEXT

The former party, PDP, has rejected some of Fubara’s claims: they argue the issues are “self-inflicted.”
There had been months of speculation and tension in Rivers State politics, including a state of emergency earlier in 2025 and a suspended House of Assembly.

Some political watchers see this as a stabilizing move: with the state government and assembly now aligned, governance may become smoother — but critics warn it could centralized power under the ruling party.

🌍 What it could mean going forward?

Expect APC to leverage this advantage — likely pushing ahead for more influence in the South-South ahead of 2027. Opposition space in Rivers and possibly neighboring states may shrink, affecting electoral competition and balance.

For residents of Rivers, this realignment might reshape governance style: some may welcome potential stability; others may worry about reduced checks and balances.