There are speculations that the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, is putting plans up to dump his political party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), amid furore with his predecessor and erstwhile political godfather who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nyesom Wike.
In a significant political development in the state, Governor Fubara is tipped to be eyeing the Action People’s Party (APP) as an alternative to the PDP.
Recall that Governor Fubara, despite his political misunderstanding with Wike, had insisted that the National leadership of PDP was not serious….CONTINUE READING
Over the past few days, sources have suggested that the Governor has finalized plans to switch parties.
Noticeably, the APP’s state party secretariat in Port Harcourt has undergone substantial rehabilitation in recent months, a developer that further supports the suggestion that the Governor had picked interest in the lady.
Another source suggested that the upcoming October 5, 2024, local government elections in Rivers State would be used to test run the viability of Fubara’s defection to APP.
The APP aims to secure all 23 local government chairmanships in Rivers State, bolstered by this anticipated political realignment.
“Governor Fubara, who no longer commands control over the PDP structure in Rivers State, is seeking a new political base for himself and his supporters to continue their political pursuits,” a source claimed.
Speaking further, the source stated that “An earlier consideration to move to the Labour Party was shelved after the party’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Beatrice Itubo, visited FCT Minister and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, at his Abuja residence, recently.
“This visit sparked mixed reactions and social media backlash against Itubo, raising questions about her integrity, especially after previously declaring support for Fubara in Port Harcourt.
Another source revealed to the RoundTable that ” Fubara’s media team and supporters have been actively promoting the activities of the APP, including the ongoing renovations at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt.
“On July 8th, 2024, the APP extended an olive branch to Fubara’s followers, offering them opportunities to run in the local government elections under the party’s platform.
The party even announced free nomination forms for women and youth intending to contest in the upcoming elections,” the source claimed.
It is alleged that the Rivers State Government is behind the massive renovation of the APP state Secretariat in Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara is expected to formally announce his defection to the APP by the end of August or early September, ahead of the local government elections.
Unfortunately, there was a report that the newly renovated Rivers State secretariat of APP in Port Harcourt was consumed by fire yesterday.
Also, it would be considered a shot on the feet for Fubara if he defects to another party, bearing in mind that the membership tussle between the factional Rivers State Assembly lawmakers was related to their defections from PDP to All Progressives Congress (APC) even when the political crisis rocking PDP was tough in the state.
