Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a major shift in the political landscape of the South-South state, traditionally a PDP stronghold.

Fubara reportedly made the announcement on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt. His defection comes on the heels of a wave of political realignments in Rivers State, including the recent defection of 16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the APC.

Addressing concerns at the combined 37th and 38th convocation ceremony of Rivers State University (RSU), Fubara acknowledged the role of President Bola Tinubu in stabilising the state after a period of political turmoil.

“Like you said, a report was given to us. But you all know what happened in the life of our administration,” Fubara said. “It is only by the special grace of God, the special favour from Mr President, that we are standing here still as the ones presiding over the affairs of Rivers State.”

Rivers State experienced months of political instability following a rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, leading to legislative defections, parallel assemblies, and clashes between rival political factions. The crisis prompted a six-month emergency rule, during which federal authorities oversaw key state functions.

Fubara’s return to full executive powers was widely viewed as the result of negotiations facilitated by President Tinubu. His defection to the APC signals a potential weakening of Wike’s influence and could have far-reaching implications for party alignments and upcoming elections in Rivers State.