Speculation Mounts Over Governor Fubara’s Possible Defection Amid Rivers Assembly Turmoil

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara faces rising speculation over a potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following fresh political unrest in the state.

Last Friday, 17 lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, announced their defection from the PDP to the APC.

This move immediately shifted the balance of power in the House of Assembly. The only three lawmakers considered loyal to Fubara have not returned to the Assembly since the lifting of the six-month emergency rule, fueling further uncertainty over the governor’s political future.

However, a senior Government House official denied the rumours, insisting that Fubara has given no indication of leaving the PDP. “There is no evidence that the governor intends to defect,” the official said, adding that defected lawmakers have yet to complete the legal steps required by the Supreme Court to formalize their move.

Robinson Ewor, factional PDP chairman in Rivers State, also downplayed the defections, asserting that the party remains committed to reclaiming its mandate.

Meanwhile, the APC state chairman, Tony Okocha, said Fubara had not reached out to the party and that any defection would be his personal decision.

The political tension continues as Amaewhule-led lawmakers persist in holding sessions at residential quarters along Aba Road, despite the governor’s insistence that the reconstructed Assembly complex will soon be operational. In a recent sitting, the Speaker criticised Fubara for running the state with only eight commissioners, a move he said contravenes constitutional requirements.

The situation leaves observers questioning whether Governor Fubara will remain in the PDP or join the ruling party ahead of upcoming political contests in Rivers State.