By John Umeh
As political tension continues to mount in Rivers State, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Tony Okocha, has said Governor Siminalayi Fubara would be warmly welcomed should he decide to join the APC, amid widespread speculation of a potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Okocha acknowledged the swirling rumors about Governor Fubara’s strained relationship with his political godfather and predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The lingering political rift between the two has raised questions about Fubara’s future in the PDP and what political steps he might take next.
“There is no barrier preventing Governor Fubara from joining the APC,” Okocha said. “As a sitting governor, he would be an asset to any party. If he makes that decision, we will receive him with open arms.”
While Fubara has not made any public declarations regarding a possible defection, his recent actions — including growing independence in governance, appointments that diverge from Wike’s inner circle, and a refusal to implement certain directives seen as favoring the former governor — have been interpreted by many as signs of a slow political breakaway.
Okocha emphasized that the APC is committed to building a stronger presence in the South-South region and sees strategic value in Fubara’s potential alignment with the party.
“Rivers APC is open for business. We are repositioning the party to reflect the yearnings of the people,” Okocha added. “If a governor, who enjoys grassroots support and holds the highest office in the state, sees reason to join us, we would not only accept him — we would work together to serve the state better.”
Political observers believe that should Fubara defect to the APC, it could significantly alter the balance of power in the state, as well as affect the PDP’s influence in the South-South zone — a region traditionally loyal to the party since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
However, PDP loyalists argue that the party remains intact and that Fubara has not indicated any intention of leaving. “There’s been no official communication, no expression of dissatisfaction from the governor,” said a senior PDP figure in Rivers. “What we’re witnessing is largely speculation and political noise.”
Meanwhile, calls for reconciliation between Fubara and Wike have intensified, with some national figures within both parties urging restraint and dialogue in the interest of the state’s stability.
As the 2027 election cycle looms on the horizon, the political future of Governor Fubara remains one of the most closely watched developments in Nigeria’s southern region. Whether he stays the course with the PDP or makes a bold political move could reshape the political narrative in Rivers State for years to come.
