Opposition lawmakers in Nigeria have defended the embattled Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, amid growing speculation that he may defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). They argued that if Governor Fubara eventually switches parties, the blame should not lie with him, but with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which they claim betrayed him first.
The lawmakers made this statement following recent political tensions in Rivers State that culminated in the suspension of Governor Fubara by a faction of the PDP loyal to former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
According to the opposition lawmakers, the internal crisis within the PDP in Rivers State has exposed deep-seated divisions and a lack of support for Fubara, who succeeded Wike as governor. They described the actions of the PDP leadership as a betrayal of the mandate freely given to Fubara by the people.
“The PDP has failed to protect its own, and instead chose to side with individuals who are bent on destabilizing Rivers State,” one lawmaker said. “If Governor Fubara decides to defect to the APC or any other party, it should be seen as an act of political survival and not betrayal. After all, he was betrayed first.”
The political feud between Fubara and Wike has dominated the Rivers political landscape for months, with allegations of interference, divided loyalties, and threats of impeachment against the governor. Fubara’s supporters insist that he has shown restraint in the face of provocation, while critics accuse him of disrespecting party hierarchy.
Although the governor has yet to publicly declare any intention to defect, his recent engagements with key APC figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have fueled speculations that a switch may be imminent.
Analysts say that if Fubara defects, it could significantly shift the political balance in the South-South region, long considered a PDP stronghold.
Meanwhile, the PDP has remained largely silent on the accusations of betrayal, choosing instead to call for unity within the party ranks in Rivers State. However, internal efforts at reconciliation appear to have stalled, deepening the crisis and leaving Governor Fubara politically isolated.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Fubara and whether he will continue to weather the political storm within the PDP or chart a new course under a different party.
