Reported by: L. Imafidon | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly welcomed a fresh wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the moves by federal lawmakers as courageous and strategic for both state and national interests. The developments signal a deepening political realignment in one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by his office, Governor Fubara extended a warm reception to members of the National Assembly who formally switched allegiance from the PDP to the APC. Among those defecting were two senators — Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East) and Barinada Mpigi (Rivers South-East) — as well as six members of the House of Representatives: Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Hart, Victor Obuzor, Blessing Amadi, and Felix Nwaeke. Their formal letters of defection were read on the floor of the National Assembly during plenary sessions, publicly marking their departure from the opposition party.
Governor Fubara, who himself defected from the PDP to the APC earlier in December, framed the legislators’ decisions as a demonstration of confidence in the APC’s leadership and political vision. He described their move as reflective of a shared commitment to advancing the development and wellbeing of Rivers State and the wider Nigerian polity. In his remarks, he affirmed that the growing number of defectors reinforced the momentum of the APC and validated his own decision to align with the party.
According to Fubara, the defections go beyond personal political repositioning; they represent a collective resolve to place Rivers State at the centre of national governance and to unlock opportunities for accelerated growth and inclusive development. He emphasised that the newly joined lawmakers would support the policy priorities of the APC-led federal government, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reform agenda known as the “Renewed Hope Agenda.” Fubara also reiterated his determination to deliver victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections, calling on Rivers residents to embrace the shift and contribute to a new chapter of peace, progress and prosperity in the state.
The recent wave of defections represents part of a broader pattern of political realignment that has seen significant movement away from the PDP in parts of the South-South region. Analysts say the exodus is driven in part by unresolved internal crises within the PDP, including leadership disagreements and strategic divides over direction and influence. Defectors have cited deep-seated factionalism and the inability of the PDP to effectively position itself as a credible alternative to the ruling party as key factors behind their decisions.
This latest shift adds to earlier high-profile changes, including Governor Fubara himself leaving the PDP to join the APC earlier this month — a move that followed the defection of 15 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and was widely viewed as a turning point in the state’s political landscape.
Critics of the trend express concern that the mass defections weaken opposition structures and narrow political competition, potentially undermining Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system. However, supporters of the APC view the developments as a realignment of political forces that better reflects evolving public sentiments and strategic considerations ahead of the next electoral cycle.
In the Senate, the addition of the two defecting Rivers lawmakers has slightly boosted the ruling party’s numbers, further consolidating its majority in the upper chamber. Both senators — previously elected on the PDP platform — formally notified the Senate leadership of their intention to join the APC, with procedural adjustments made to facilitate the transition during plenary sessions.
Observers note that the Rivers State realignment illustrates broader dynamics at play nationally, where political actors increasingly evaluate their affiliations in light of shifting power balances and strategic imperatives. The movement of key lawmakers into the APC fold underscores the party’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its federal legislative majority and expand its influence in regions traditionally considered opposition strongholds. (
For Governor Fubara, the defections represent both a personal political triumph and an opportunity to redefine governance priorities in Rivers State. By aligning with the ruling party, he aims to leverage federal support to address longstanding development challenges and implement policy interventions tailored to local needs. His administration’s emphasis on unity and strategic cooperation with the federal government is central to its narrative as it seeks to project stability and attract investment.
As the political realignment continues to unfold, attention will remain on how these shifts influence legislative dynamics, governance outcomes, and electoral prospects in Rivers State and beyond. For now, the APC’s growing momentum in the state marks a notable chapter in Nigeria’s political evolution as parties prepare for the pivotal 2027 elections.
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