Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has publicly declared his intention to ensure the success of President Bola Tinubu, stating that he will mobilize votes for the president ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This declaration was made during the commissioning of the Egbeda-Omerelu link road on Thursday, just a few days after his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Fubara, who recently resumed office after a six-month emergency rule imposed by the Federal Government, stated that his shift in allegiance was necessary to align fully with the agenda of the President.
Fubara explained that his defection was prompted by the failure of the PDP to protect him during the political crisis that pitted him against his predecessor and then-political godfather, Nyesom Wike.
He stated that he received the full support and assurances he needed from President Tinubu, made him take the move.
Our position is to ensure that everyone supports Mr President. We will support every other group to ensure that we deliver for Mr President come 2027
The Governor’s defection follows the earlier defection of the Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, and 16 other lawmakers to the APC.
The PDP reacted to the news of the governor’s defection with deep concern, calling the defection a major blow to democracy.
Ini Ememobong, the PDP factional National Publicity Secretary, suggested that Fubara was suffering from “Stockholm Syndrome”, a psychological condition where a captive develops affection or loyalty to their captor and he has been placed in a position unable to differentiate where his real problem lies.
The PDP insisted that Fubara’s political troubles were self-inflicted, arguing that he willingly traveled the path that led to his defection and therefore cannot accuse the party of abandoning him.
The PDP warned that the defection, which occurred after his meeting with President Tinubu, shows a growing threat of electoral authoritarianism and a push by the ruling party toward a one-party state.
Leave a comment