Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has dismissed speculation that he is set to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), stating on Wednesday that he remains a member of the All Progressives Congress.
“I’m still an APC member,” Fubara said during a public engagement in Port Harcourt, as rumours of a potential defection ahead of the 2027 elections intensified.
Fubara’s political alignment has been a subject of debate since he assumed office in May 2023. He was elected governor on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, and served under the political structure of former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike, who is now Minister of the FCT.
In late 2023, Rivers State was plunged into a political crisis that pitted Fubara against Wike over control of the state’s political machinery. The fallout led to defections, court cases, and a brief impeachment attempt against Fubara. In December 2023, President Bola Tinubu brokered a peace deal between the two leaders, which included Fubara and some PDP members moving to align with the APC.
The PDP in Rivers has been split, with factions loyal to Wike and to Fubara.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress is a newly registered political party that has been linked to several politicians exploring alternatives ahead of 2027. Rumours that Fubara might use the NDC as a fallback platform surfaced after some of his allies held meetings with the party’s leadership.
Fubara’s statement appears aimed at calming speculation and reaffirming his standing within the APC ahead of party congresses and the 2027 election cycle.
Political analysts note that his stance will affect the balance of power in Rivers, where the APC and PDP remain the dominant forces.
He did not address whether he would seek re-election in 2027 or under which platform.