Rivers APC Opens Door to Governor Fubara Amid Defection Speculations

Amid ongoing political tension in Rivers State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed readiness to welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara should he choose to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This revelation by the APC comes at a time when speculation is rife about potential shifts in the political landscape, following a prolonged crisis involving the governor and his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.

The statement, made by Rivers APC Chairman Emeka Beke through his Chief of Staff, Chizi Enyi, emphasizes that Fubara’s defection would not only strengthen the APC’s presence in the state but also bring strategic benefits to both parties. According to Beke, integrating the sitting governor into the APC fold would mark a significant shift in the party’s influence within Rivers State.

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Speaking candidly, Beke stated, “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.” This comment reflects a broader strategy by the APC to consolidate power and influence in regions where it currently holds opposition status.

The potential defection is viewed as a mutually beneficial alignment. For Fubara, moving into the ruling party could ease the path to accessing federal resources and political backing, especially given the mounting challenges and reduced participation associated with being a governor from an opposition party. For the APC, it would provide direct influence over the state’s administration and policies.

Beke highlighted the practical benefits of having the state’s governor within the party’s structure. “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 said.

This acknowledgment of political reality underlines a strategic approach by the APC, suggesting they see Fubara’s current political position as an asset that, if properly managed, could deliver significant returns for the party’s structure and influence within the state.

In addition to signaling openness to Fubara’s defection, Beke extended an olive branch by expressing the party’s willingness to guide the governor in enhancing state governance. He stated that although the APC, in its role as opposition, had previously withheld policy recommendations, this approach would shift if Fubara joins their ranks.

“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,” Beke explained.

This assurance suggests that the APC sees potential in Fubara’s administration and is ready to engage constructively if political realignment occurs. It also reveals the APC’s intention to reposition itself not just as a political opponent but as a possible partner in governance, depending on circumstances.

The Rivers State political landscape has remained turbulent in recent months, with Governor Fubara’s strained relationship with the PDP and federal leadership leading to widespread uncertainty. His rumored defection to the APC has been the subject of intense speculation, particularly as it could reset the dynamics between the state and the federal government.

Should Fubara officially make the switch, it would mark a dramatic shift in Rivers State politics, potentially altering the balance of power and setting the stage for new political alliances ahead of the next general elections.

For now, while Governor Fubara has yet to confirm any plans to switch parties, the APC’s public invitation and reassurances reflect an eagerness to capitalize on the current instability to strengthen its position within the state.

The situation remains fluid, but what is clear is that the political future of Rivers State hangs delicately in the balance, with major implications tied to the governor’s next move.