There is increasing pressure on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his associates to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This pressure has mounted following the ruling of the Appeal Court in Abuja, which provided relief to Martins Amaewhule and 26 Assembly members aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike.
The court’s decision has heightened political tensions in the state, prompting calls for Fubara to leave the PDP due to the party’s perceived lack of support for him.
Political analyst Franklin Ntekim observed that the governor’s predicament has laid bare the PDP’s negligence and toxicity, hindering his electoral prospects within the party.
Ntekim stated, “It is evident that he lacks the backing of the party. It is also apparent that the FCT minister has asserted dominance over the party, rendering it detrimental to the governor. I recommend his departure from the PDP. Moreover, I find it perplexing that the former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has not extended support to the governor during his struggles. This situation portrays a party that prioritizes the interests of a single individual over its members.”
Furthermore, human rights activist Solomon Lenu advised Fubara to sever ties with the PDP, highlighting the party’s allegiance to Wike and the potential obstacles in securing party tickets for the governor’s candidates in the forthcoming local government elections.
The leader of the Ogoni Development Drive (ODD) suggested that Fubara explore the possibility of joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP) or Accord Party, given their popularity in the state.
Lenu added, “The SDP or Accord Party could be viable options. I caution against the Labour Party due to external influences within its national leadership. While the Labour Party was initially a consideration, it is now under the sway of powerful entities in Abuja.”
However, Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, the director general of the Simplified Movement, Governor Fubara’s grassroots political organization, clarified that the governor has not yet made a decision regarding defection, and they will follow his lead. Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, PANDEF’s leader, advised exercising prudence, emphasizing that it is premature to advocate for Fubara’s departure.
Meanwhile, Hilda Dokubo, the Rivers state chairman of the Labor Party, expressed openness to Fubara joining the party, affirming that their doors are always open.
Dokubo stated, “The Governor is a Nigerian citizen with the right to choose his political path. If he feels unwelcome or undervalued, he should seek a more conducive environment. Wherever the Governor decides to go, the people of Rivers State will stand by him. If he opts to join our party, we will warmly receive him.”
It is worth noting that Governor Fubara recently criticized the PDP, asserting that the party has disappointed the people of Rivers State and has deviated from its expected role in addressing political challenges.
“In our state, we are no longer just adhering to party lines but are part of a movement. Therefore, I am less inclined to align closely with the party. The party has let us down here, so our focus is on standing firmly in support of Rivers State to defend democracy,” he remarked.
