PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA — Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has put an end to intense defection rumors by declaring his absolute commitment and loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing party stakeholders and reporters, the governor emphasized that despite recent political developments and widespread speculations in the media, his political alignment remains entirely unchanged.
Party Interest Above Personal Agenda
Governor Fubara dismissed assertions that he was planning to dump the ruling party for an opposition platform, stating that the unity and collective success of the party supersede individual political frictions.
“I am a member of the APC, and nothing has changed,” Governor Fubara stated. “Whatever happens, what is important is supporting the overall interest of the party.”
The governor’s declaration brings significant relief to the state chapter of the party, which has been rocked by internal leadership tussles and supremacy battles between different factions over the control of the state’s political structure.
Silencing the Rumor Mill
Speculations surrounding Governor Fubara’s political future had intensified following public disagreements with prominent political figures within the state. Political analysts had predicted that the governor might jump ship to secure a seamless re-election ticket ahead of the next election cycle.
By openly reaffirming his membership, Fubara has signaled his intention to fight for his political space from within the ruling party rather than seeking an external alternative. Insiders reveal that his statement is part of a wider strategic move to consolidate his hold on the grassroots structures of the party in Rivers State.
Implications for Rivers State Politics
The governor’s open declaration of loyalty to the APC is expected to reshape the political calculations in Rivers State. Opposition parties that had been positioning themselves to receive the governor and his loyalists will now have to re-evaluate their strategies.
Meanwhile, party loyalists have praised the governor’s stance, describing it as a mature political decision aimed at maintaining stability, ensuring governance is not disrupted by endless political bickering, and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State under the APC banner.
