The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has openly expressed its readiness to welcome suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, should he decide to part ways with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and align with the APC.
The reinstated APC chairman for Rivers State, Chief Emeka Beke, highlighted that Governor Fubara’s potential defection would be mutually beneficial, strengthening both his position and the party’s influence.
This declaration emerges amid swirling rumors that Fubara might defect to the APC as part of ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the political turmoil in Rivers State, which culminated in his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking via his Chief of Staff, Chizi Enyi, Beke confirmed that the APC stands ready to embrace the governor without hesitation.
“Sure, we will welcome the governor. Do we have an option? Welcoming the governor into the party will mean the APC gains a strategic advantage in Rivers State,” he said.
He noted that states where the governor is not from the ruling party often face challenges in funding and participation in state activities.
According to him, Fubara’s defection would give the APC greater leverage and visibility in the state’s governance.
“As the governor of Rivers State, he automatically becomes the leader of the party at the state level. This would also allow the APC to play a key role in state programmes and functions,” he added.
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Beke further stated that he would be open to offering guidance to Fubara on how to improve governance in the state.
He explained that while the APC, as the opposition, had previously withheld such advice, the dynamic would change should the governor join the party.
“As an opposition party, we have what it takes to help the governor do better than what he is currently doing. But we have kept our suggestions as part of our ideology. If the governor joins us, we’ll open our hearts to him and offer input on how to improve the lives of Rivers people and others residing in the state,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council has distanced itself from any political party affiliation, insisting that their main concern is the return of Governor Fubara to office.
Anabs Sara-Igbe, a council member and founding spokesperson of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, made these remarks during a phone interview with journalists on Tuesday.
He sharply criticized the continued tenure of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, labeling the appointment unconstitutional.
When asked about the possibility of Governor Fubara joining the APC as part of a peace agreement with his former political mentor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Sara-Igbe dismissed the speculation as irrelevant.
“The people of Rivers are not focused on party politics right now. Our priority is Sim’s reinstatement. That’s what truly matters to us,” he asserted.
He further emphasized, “We elected him as our governor. We will not allow anyone else to seize control of our resources.”
Fubara’s media aide for electronic platforms, Jerry Omatsogunwa, confirmed ongoing reconciliation talks between the governor and Wike but declined to disclose specifics.
“They are in discussions, but the details remain unclear. For now, all reports are speculative. The full picture will emerge in due course,” he explained.
Regarding rumors about Fubara possibly defecting to the APC, Omatsogunwa stated, “We have not received any information on that at this time.”