The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faced major setbacks yesterday as Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke declared for the Accord Party. The moves further weaken the opposition, bolster APC influence in the South-South and South-West, and raise concerns about a drift toward one-party dominance ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fubara ended months of speculation during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt, citing frustration with the PDP, which he claimed offered him “nothing” despite his loyalty and efforts. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for intervening to protect his governorship from what he described as attempts at political intimidation.
Addressing supporters, Fubara said his defection was a result of persistent sabotage, humiliation, and betrayal within the PDP. He emphasized that his visit to President Tinubu was a “state-interest consultation,” which provided the support he considered necessary to move forward politically.
“We now have full support—the people, the numbers, and the mandate,” Fubara told a cheering crowd. “Our decision is to fully identify with the President and align politically with the APC to protect the interests of Rivers people.”
Fubara’s defection follows nearly a year of conflict with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, which split the state PDP, triggered repeated impeachment attempts, and destabilized governance. Despite interventions, including a presidential peace deal, internal party divisions persisted, leaving the governor with limited options.
His alignment with the APC increases the ruling party’s number of governors to 27 ahead of 2027, leaving the PDP with eight, the Labour Party with one, and Accord with one. Analysts note that the move gives APC a major foothold in the South-South, a traditional PDP stronghold, while weakening the opposition ahead of critical elections.
In a separate development, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke officially joined the Accord Party as his new platform for re-election in 2026. Speaking at the Government House Banquet Hall, Adeleke said the switch followed consultations with stakeholders and aligned with his focus on citizen welfare and effective governance.
PDP leaders reacted by describing Fubara’s departure as a “self-inflicted injury,” asserting that his political troubles were of his own making. The party accused the APC of attempting to create a one-party state, warning that such centralization of power threatens democratic stability.
Meanwhile, the APC welcomed Fubara, noting that arrangements would soon be made for his formal induction. Analysts say his defection will likely influence local political actors, including lawmakers, commissioners, and party loyalists, reshaping political alliances in Rivers State.
