By: Joy Musa
There is Fresh indications have emerged that Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, may be exploring a possible defection to the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) amid the deepening political crisis in the state.
Political sources say the development follows the refusal of the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to accede to the governor’s alleged request for the dissolution of the party’s existing executive structure in Rivers State, should he defect to the party.
According to reports circulating in political circles, Governor Fubara had approached the APC National Chairman, requesting that the Rivers APC executive be dissolved to enable him assume full control of the party structure in the state. The request was, however, declined, with the party leadership reportedly advising the governor to work with the existing structure.
Further reports indicate that the governor also took the matter to the APC Governors’ Forum in a bid to secure support for his position, but the move has yet to yield the desired outcome.
In the wake of these developments, sources claim that Governor Fubara is now holding consultations with key figures in the ADC in Rivers State, including the party’s leader in the state, a former Minister of Transportation, with a view to securing the ADC governorship ticket ahead of future political contests.
The reported moves come against the backdrop of heightened political tension in Rivers State, following the recent proclamation of the “Rainbow Coalition” under the Renewed Hope political structure by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, a development that has further reshaped the state’s political landscape.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Governor Fubara nor his media aides had officially confirmed or denied the reported defection plans.
Similarly, the APC and ADC leaderships in Rivers State have yet to issue formal statements on the matter.
Political observers say the unfolding situation underscores the fluid nature of alliances in Rivers politics and could have significant implications for the balance of power in the state if confirmed.
