The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared its willingness to welcome suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara into its fold, should he choose to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking with The PUNCH on Tuesday, reinstated APC Chairman in Rivers State, Chief Emeka Beke, described the potential defection as a win-win for both the governor and the party. His comments come amid ongoing speculation that Fubara may switch political allegiance as part of efforts to resolve the political crisis in the state, which led to his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.
Through his Chief of Staff, Chizi Enyi, Beke said the APC would not hesitate to accept Fubara.
“Of course, we will welcome the governor. Do we have an option? His joining the party will give the APC a strategic edge in Rivers State,” Beke stated.
He noted that governors from opposition parties often face difficulties accessing federal support, which could be avoided if Fubara joins the ruling party.
“As governor, he would naturally become the APC’s state leader, positioning the party to take part in key state programmes and decisions,” Beke added.
Beke also indicated a willingness to offer the governor guidance on better governance.
“As an opposition, we’ve had ideas but kept them to ourselves. If he joins us, we will support him fully and advise on improving the lives of Rivers residents,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council has emphasized that its sole concern is Fubara’s return to office, distancing itself from any political party involvement.
Anabs Sara-Igbe, a member of the council and former spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), criticised the continued presence of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the state’s Sole Administrator, calling it unconstitutional.
When asked about the governor possibly defecting to the APC as a reconciliation tactic with his estranged political mentor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Sara-Igbe dismissed the speculation.
“Rivers people don’t care about that right now. What we want is Sim’s return. He is our elected governor. No one else should control our resources,” he insisted.
Fubara’s media aide on electronic media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, confirmed that reconciliation talks between Fubara and Wike are ongoing but declined to provide further details.
“They are in talks, but everything else is speculation at this point. We’ll know more in due time,” he said.
On the possibility of a defection to the APC, Omatsogunwa added, “There’s no confirmation on that for now.”