Fubara Denies APC Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Loyalty to PDP

Amid a swirl of online speculations and political unrest in Nigeria’s South-South region, PDP and suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has firmly denied claims suggesting plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The rumor mill had recently gone into overdrive, hinting at a possible political realignment involving Fubara, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno, ahead of the 2027 general elections. These unverified reports were further fueled by the dramatic defection of Oborevwori and several Delta PDP leaders to the APC earlier this week.

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Reacting to the speculation, Fubara’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, categorically dismissed the rumours during a press interaction on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Speaking on behalf of the embattled governor, Omatsogunwa reaffirmed that Fubara remains a committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has made no indication of abandoning the party.

“I doubt if the governor is even aware of the rumoured defection,” Omatsogunwa stated. “As it stands now, we are still members of the PDP, and nothing has changed. The governor has not spoken about leaving the party.”

Omatsogunwa further highlighted Fubara’s active role within the PDP, noting his position as Deputy Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum — a role that contradicts any claim of imminent defection.

The clarification comes at a time of heightened political uncertainty in the PDP, especially in the South-South region. With the defection of Oborevwori, his deputy, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and nearly the entire political machinery of Delta State to the APC, observers feared a domino effect that could destabilize the PDP’s presence in the region.

However, Fubara’s camp has distanced itself from such projections, insisting that the governor remains loyal to the party despite the pressure and shifting allegiances. This declaration is significant not only for the PDP’s image but also for its internal stability, as the party continues to navigate through waves of internal and external challenges.

As of 9:46 am on Thursday, April 24, according to Omatsogunwa, there had been no formal or informal move from Fubara suggesting any departure from the PDP. “Our governor remains a bona fide member of the party. That’s the situation, and nothing else is in play right now,” he emphasized.

The governor’s silence amid escalating national political maneuvers has sparked both speculation and concern. Yet, his aide’s statement serves as the most definitive stance thus far, aimed at quelling anxieties among party loyalists and the public.

With less than two years until the next general elections, Nigeria’s political landscape is already shifting. But as of now, Siminalayi Fubara stands firm — at least officially — in his PDP roots.