The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared its readiness to embrace suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara should he choose to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join their ranks.
In a conversation with The PUNCH on Tuesday, Rivers APC Chairman Chief Emeka Beke described the move as beneficial to both Governor Fubara and the APC, particularly amid ongoing efforts to resolve the political tensions that led to Fubara’s suspension by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Chizi Enyi, Beke confirmed the party’s willingness to welcome the governor. “We are prepared to receive Governor Fubara. His defection would give the APC a strategic advantage in Rivers State,” he stated.
Beke further explained that governors who do not belong to the ruling party often face challenges related to funding and participation in state governance. He stressed that Fubara’s switch to the APC would enhance the party’s influence and role in the state.
“As the sitting governor, he would automatically assume leadership of the party in Rivers State, enabling the APC to take a leading role in state affairs and programs,” Beke noted.
The chairman also expressed his readiness to offer guidance on governance improvements, highlighting that while the APC had previously withheld such advice due to its opposition status, joining the party would open doors for collaboration.
“We have the expertise to help the governor improve his administration, but our role as opposition limited our input. If he joins us, we will gladly share ideas to better the lives of Rivers residents,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council has distanced itself from party politics, emphasizing its sole concern is the reinstatement of Governor Fubara.
Anabs Sara-Igbe, a council member and founding spokesperson for the Pan Niger Delta Forum, told The PUNCH that their focus remains on ensuring the governor’s return, not on political alignments.
He also condemned the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator of Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional.
Addressing rumors about Fubara possibly defecting to the APC as part of a reconciliation deal with former ally and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Sara-Igbe dismissed the speculation as irrelevant.
“Rivers people are not concerned with party politics right now. Our main interest is seeing Sim Fubara reinstated as governor,” he said.
He added, “We elected him to lead us, and we do not want anyone else controlling our resources.”
Fubara’s media aide, Jerry Omatsogunwa, confirmed ongoing reconciliation talks between the governor and Wike but refrained from commenting on specifics.
“They are in discussions, but no concrete details have been shared. For now, all is speculation. We will know the outcome in due course,” he said.
Responding to claims about a potential APC defection, Omatsogunwa stated, “We have not received any information on that matter at this time.”
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