By Erewunmi Peace

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending months of political tension and speculation.

Fubara made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. The governor said his decision was driven by the need for “political stability” and gratitude for the support he received from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the prolonged crisis in the state.

According to him, the PDP failed to stand by him at the height of the political conflict involving former Governor Nyesom Wike and members of the State House of Assembly.

“I cannot remain in a party that watched the assault on Rivers State’s stability without taking action,” Fubara reportedly said while announcing his defection.

The defection marks a significant shift in Rivers State politics, as the APC gains control of one of Nigeria’s most strategic oil-producing states. Political observers say the move may reshape alliances ahead of the next election cycle.

This development comes amid ongoing disputes over governance, parallel assemblies, and competing loyalties within the state’s political structure.

As of the time of filing this report, the PDP has not issued an official statement responding to Fubara’s decision.