Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the state firmly belongs to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to secure overwhelming support for his re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
Fubara made the statement on Friday at the Government House in Port Harcourt shortly after receiving his All Progressives Congress (APC) membership card from the state party chairman, Tony Okocha.
The governor said he would assume full responsibility for the leadership, welfare and organisation of the party in Rivers State, adding that his defection would strengthen the APC ahead of the next general election.
“As the leader of the party in this state, it is my duty to keep the APC united, active and properly organised. From this moment, the affairs and needs of the party in Rivers State are my responsibility,” Fubara said.
Fubara formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, days after 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly also joined the ruling party.
Explaining his decision, the governor said aligning the state with the Federal Government was necessary to guarantee security, stability and development.
“We cannot be pursuing one direction at the state level while moving on a different path from the Federal Government. There is every reason to support Mr President,” he said.
Fubara described his move to the APC as a “return of favour” to President Tinubu, whom he credited with supporting the survival and stability of his administration.
“I took this decision to ensure that President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 will be smooth and successful in Rivers State. Now that we are in the same party, mobilising support will be easier,” he added.
At the flag-off of the construction of the By-pass to the Port Harcourt International Airport and Toll Gate Road by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the governor declared himself the “number one” member of the APC in the state.
“I have collected my membership card and my number is 001. The message is clear: Rivers State will ensure a smooth ride for Mr President in 2027,” Fubara said.
Speaking at the event, Keyamo praised the governor for approving the road project and described Fubara’s defection as a major political gain for the APC.
“With this development, the APC now controls all six states in the South-South. Governor Fubara is a big catch — an elephant joining the party,” Keyamo said.
