Fubara Welcomes Rivers Lawmakers’ Defection to APC, Backs Tinubu’s Reforms

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally welcomed the defection of several members of the National Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a significant boost to political unity and national development. The governor Fubara said the growing coalition of lawmakers reflects confidence in his leadership and in the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Boniface Onyedi, Governor Fubara expressed optimism that the defections would strengthen Rivers State’s relevance at the centre of national governance while accelerating development across the state.

Fubara:Validation of Political Realignment

Governor Fubara said the decision of the lawmakers to join the APC validates his own earlier move to the ruling party and underscores a shared commitment to progress. According to him, the defections go beyond partisan considerations and represent a strategic effort to align Rivers State with the federal government for the benefit of its people.

He noted that a united political front would enable the state to better attract federal attention, resources, and opportunities required for sustainable growth. The governor Fubara described the lawmakers’ actions as courageous, principled, and forward-looking, adding that they reflect a clear understanding of the current political realities in the country.

Fubara stressed that political cooperation, rather than division, is essential for addressing economic challenges and delivering tangible dividends of democracy to citizens at both state and national levels.

Alignment With Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

The governor Fubara further explained that the defections are in line with the ongoing reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He expressed confidence that the expanding support base in Rivers State would contribute meaningfully to the success of the President’s policies, particularly those aimed at economic recovery, infrastructure development, and institutional reforms.

According to Fubara, the visible changes taking place at the federal level have inspired confidence among political leaders, leading to broader support for the APC across party lines. He reiterated his personal commitment to ensuring President Tinubu’s success and reaffirmed his resolve to work towards the President’s victory in the 2027 general elections.

The governor also called on well-meaning residents of Rivers State to join the APC, urging them to contribute to what he described as a new era of peace, stability, and inclusive development.

Lawmakers Involved in the Defection

So far, eleven members of the National Assembly have defected from the PDP to the APC, alongside one lawmaker from the Labour Party. Among those who recently defected are two senators: Senator Allwell Onyesoh, representing Rivers East, and Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East.

The House of Representatives members who defected on Tuesday include Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Hart, Victor Obuzor, Blessing Amadi, and Felix Nwaeke. Earlier defectors include Awaji-Inombek Abiante, Boniface Emerengwa, and Boma Goodhead from the PDP, as well as Umezuruike Manuchim from the Labour Party.

Governor Fubara commended the lawmakers for joining forces with earlier defectors in support of his administration and the APC, stating that their collective action signals the emergence of a strong and coordinated political bloc dedicated to advancing the interests of Rivers State and Nigeria.