The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its readiness to receive suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara should he choose to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking with The PUNCH on Tuesday, reinstated Rivers APC Chairman Chief Emeka Beke said Fubara’s defection would be a strategic win for both the governor and the APC amid the ongoing political crisis in the state. The tension, which led to Fubara’s suspension by President Bola Tinubu, has sparked speculation that a defection may be part of a broader political settlement.
Through his Chief of Staff, Chizi Enyi, Beke said the APC would gladly welcome Fubara:
Sure, we will welcome the governor. Do we have an option? Bringing him into the party will give the APC a strategic edge in Rivers State.
Beke explained that states led by opposition governors often face hurdles in federal funding and influence, noting that Fubara’s defection would give the APC greater visibility and influence in state governance.
As the sitting governor, he would become the party leader in the state. That naturally places the APC in a position to participate meaningfully in state functions and decisions.
He also expressed willingness to offer Fubara guidance on governance, suggesting that the APC has constructive ideas it has withheld as the opposition but would be eager to share if the governor joins the party.
We’ve chosen to keep our advice to ourselves while in opposition. But if the governor comes over, we’ll open our hearts and support efforts to better the lives of Rivers residents.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council has distanced itself from any political party discussions, stating that their only concern is Governor Fubara’s reinstatement.
We’re not interested in political party matters. Rivers people want Sim back. That’s our focus.
He criticized the continued appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator of the state, calling it unconstitutional.
Asked about Fubara possibly joining the APC as part of reconciliation with his former political ally and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Sara-Igbe dismissed it:
That’s not the issue right now. We elected Sim as our governor. We won’t allow anyone else to take our resources.
Jerry Omatsogunwa, Fubara’s media aide for electronic media, confirmed ongoing reconciliation talks between the governor and Wike but declined to give details.
They are talking, but nothing concrete has been finalized. Everything else remains speculation.
On rumors of a possible defection to the APC, Omatsogunwa stated:
There’s been no official communication about that at this point.