Abuja, Nigeria — Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara paid a high-profile visit to the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday evening, December 17, 2025. Importantly, this maiden visit occurred just days after his official defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Governor Fubara arrived at the party secretariat around 6:50 p.m. Dressed in a signature white kaftan and red cap, he received a warm welcome from top party officials. Specifically, the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), led the welcoming delegation.
Although he was expected at a meeting of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Fubara chose to stop at the secretariat first. He told party leaders that paying his respects at the “administrative heart” of the APC was his top priority.
Following this brief introduction, the Governor held a closed-door meeting with the National Secretary. During the discussion, he reportedly explored ways to strengthen the party’s structure in Rivers State. Ultimately, Fubara intends to consolidate his new role as the APC leader in the state.
“I Was Never Really in PDP,” Fubara Claims
While speaking with journalists after the meeting, Fubara made a startling admission about his political past. Specifically, he claimed that he was never truly a member of the PDP in spirit.
- Political Isolation: He described his time in the PDP as being “on the balcony” rather than inside the house.
- Lack of Protection: The Governor alleged that the PDP failed to protect him during his intense political crisis with his predecessor.
- A Natural Move: Consequently, he described his switch to the APC as an “easy choice” and a natural progression for his career.
Furthermore, Fubara emphasized that his defection aims to align Rivers State with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He vowed to deliver a “smooth and unencumbered” re-election bid for the President in 2027.
By joining the APC, Fubara has effectively ended the PDP’s long-standing dominance in Rivers State. Now, with membership card number 001, he oversees the party’s transition into a dominant force in the South-South region.
