The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has hailed the defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, into the ruling party, describing it as a landmark development that completes the political alignment of the South-South region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Yilwatda noted that Fubara’s decision to join the APC was not only strategic but also symbolic, as Rivers State holds a pivotal role in the politics of the Niger Delta and the wider South-South zone.
According to him, the governor’s defection consolidates the APC’s presence in the region, which has historically been a stronghold of opposition parties. He stressed that the move would strengthen the party’s chances of securing widespread support in the forthcoming elections.
“Governor Fubara’s entry into our party is significant. It completes the alignment of the South-South with the APC and sends a strong message that the region is ready to embrace progressive leadership,” Yilwatda declared.
The APC chairman further explained that the party had been working tirelessly to build bridges across the six states of the South-South, and Fubara’s defection was the final piece in that puzzle. He expressed confidence that the APC would now be better positioned to deliver on its promises of development and inclusivity in the region.
Political analysts have described the development as a major boost for the APC, given Rivers State’s economic importance and its influence in national politics. The state, often referred to as the “treasure base of the nation,” is home to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, making it a critical factor in electoral calculations.
Fubara’s defection has also sparked reactions among stakeholders in Rivers State. While APC supporters celebrated the move as a victory, opposition voices questioned the governor’s motives and raised concerns about the implications for governance in the state.
Observers note that the defection could reshape political alliances in the South-South, particularly as the 2027 elections draw closer. With the APC now claiming a stronger foothold in the region, rival parties may need to recalibrate their strategies to remain competitive.
The governor himself has yet to make a detailed public statement on his reasons for joining the APC, but sources close to him suggest that the decision was influenced by promises of greater collaboration with the federal government and opportunities to accelerate development projects in Rivers State.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the APC leadership insists that Fubara’s defection marks a turning point in its quest to consolidate power nationwide. For many, the move underscores the high stakes of the 2027 elections and the shifting dynamics of Nigerian politics.
