By John Umeh
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has openly declared its interest in welcoming suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara into its fold as the state prepares for a return to democratic governance this Thursday.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, the APC’s spokesperson in Rivers, Darlington Nwauju, urged Fubara to consider switching allegiance to the party immediately upon his return to the state.
“If I were the governor of Rivers State, on my return on Thursday, I would announce my defection to the All Progressives Congress. I think the governor should join the APC, and we would gladly receive him,” Nwauju said.
According to Nwauju, Fubara’s potential defection would come with an automatic leadership role within the Rivers APC.
“By the convention of our party, if he joins the All Progressives Congress, he becomes the leader of the party,” he added.
Transition and Political Realignments
For the past six months, Rivers State has been under the administration of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), who was appointed during the emergency rule imposed in the state. With the handover ceremony drawing near, speculation has intensified about the political future of Governor Fubara and the balance of power in Rivers.
Nwauju also commented on Ibas’s interim administration, clarifying that while the APC has not demanded a formal report, the National Assembly holds oversight responsibility.
“The budget approval he got was from the National Assembly. There is a committee from the House of Representatives overseeing the period of emergency. I expect that they will carry out due diligence and present Nigerians with their findings—it is one of their legislative duties,” he explained.
Tinubu, Fubara Return Ahead of Handover
Meanwhile, both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Fubara are expected back in Nigeria on Tuesday as final arrangements for the Rivers handover are underway.
Tinubu, who had been on a vacation in France and the UK since September 4, cut short his holiday to return to Abuja earlier than scheduled. Fubara, on the other hand, is due back from London to take charge as the state transitions out of emergency rule.
The forthcoming ceremony marks a critical moment for Rivers politics, with parties and stakeholders closely watching whether Governor Fubara will remain with his current political base or heed the call from the APC to join forces ahead of future elections.
