Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is rumored to be on the verge of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This development comes after Fubara recently patched up with his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The political tension between Fubara and Wike escalated in late 2023, culminating in an attempted impeachment by pro-Wike lawmakers and an arson attack on the State House of Assembly complex. The crisis prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a State of Emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, leading to Fubara’s suspension and a six-month administration by a sole administrator ¹ ² ³.

Fubara’s potential defection is seen as a bid to seek political refuge and align with the federal power structure, given the weakened state of his PDP base. He previously won the PDP governorship primary in 2022 with Wike’s endorsement and went on to defeat APC candidate Tonye Cole in the 2023 governorship election ⁴ ² ³.

Fubara met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday, fueling speculation about his impending defection. However, Government House officials have dismissed the rumors, stating that Fubara has not indicated any intention to leave the PDP