Defection rumours rise as Fubara faces mounting Assembly fire
Speculation Grows as Governor Siminalayi Fubara May Dump PDP for APC Amid Fresh Rivers State Crisis
Political tension in Rivers State has intensified as growing speculation suggests that Governor Siminalayi Fubara may soon leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The latest wave of uncertainty follows the recent defection of 17 pro-Wike lawmakers from the PDP to the APC—an event that has reshaped the political landscape of the state.
The lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, announced their defection last Friday, instantly altering the balance of power in the Rivers Assembly. Meanwhile, the only three lawmakers considered loyal to Governor Fubara have not returned to plenary since the lifting of the six-month emergency rule, heightening concerns about the governor’s political direction.
“Fubara May Be Next” — PDP Chieftain Nwuke Speaks
In an exclusive conversation with www.cjsoftflix.com, senior PDP chieftain and former House of Representatives member, Ogbonna Nwuke, stated that the recent political trends in the South-South indicate that Fubara’s defection to the APC may be inevitable.
Nwuke noted that governors from Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa—all previously PDP strongholds—have already defected to the APC, suggesting a larger regional realignment that may influence Fubara’s next move.
He said:
“When a party is deeply divided, people will naturally seek alternatives. The crisis within the PDP today is unprecedented. If Fubara crosses over, he will not be the first, and he may not be the last.”
Government House Responds: “Fubara Has Shown No Signs of Defecting”
A senior Government House official, who requested anonymity, dismissed the rumours, stating that Governor Fubara has given no indication of leaving the PDP. He also questioned the legitimacy of the lawmakers’ defection, arguing that they have yet to fulfil the constitutional requirement of registering at their wards.
According to him:
“There is no sign that the governor intends to defect. If he wanted to join the APC, he would have shown clear signals—especially with their national convention approaching.”
PDP Reacts: “We Will Reclaim Our Mandate”
The factional PDP chairman in Rivers State, Robinson Ewor, mocked the defected lawmakers, stressing that the party would take steps to recover its mandate. Ewor insisted that their defection has no constitutional basis as there is *no division* within the PDP that justifies their exit.
He said:
“What they are holding is the PDP’s mandate. They must not deny what they have done. We will recover our seats and speak with remaining members.”
APC Chairman Tony Okocha: “I’m Not Aware of Any Moves by Fubara”
When asked whether the APC would welcome Fubara, the state party chairman, Tony Okocha, said he had not been contacted by the governor. He declined to speculate further, noting that only Fubara can decide his political future.
Okocha stated:
“The governor has not reached out to me. If I meet him, I will simply advise him to follow his heart. We cannot put the cart before the horse.”
Fresh Tension as Amaewhule-led Assembly Continues Sitting
Despite the political unrest, the Amaewhule-led Assembly has continued to hold sittings at the residential quarters along Aba Road, ignoring Governor Fubara’s stance that the reconstructed Assembly Complex will soon be ready for use.
At their latest sitting, the Speaker criticised the governor for not submitting a full list of commissioner nominees, accusing him of violating constitutional norms by running the state with only eight commissioners.
What Next for Rivers State?
As political actors continue to trade words, Rivers State stands at a critical crossroads. Whether Governor Fubara will remain in the PDP or embrace the APC remains a question that only time—and evolving political dynamics—can answer.
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