…says separation from APC is the easiest thing to do
Governor Siminalai Fubara of Rivers State has openly declared his alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging Rivers State's full political support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and describing his move into the ruling party as natural and long overdue.
Fubara made the announcement on Thursday during a visit to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, where he was received by the National Chairman of the party, Nentawe Yilawatada, who was represented by the National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.
Fubara said, “I cannot belong to a house without visiting the house and understanding how it is arranged.
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“I thought it would be appropriate for me to visit the National Secretariat today to familiarize myself with the members and operations.
“This way, when I come here next time, it won't feel like I'm a new person.”
Signaling a clear political transition, Fubara said his visit was to formally assure the party of his commitment and readiness to work for its development, linking the fortunes of the APC directly to the success of President Tinubu.
“I am here this evening to reassure you, and we will work together to make sure this party becomes even bigger than it is.
He said, “The greatness we all want from this party is the success of Mr. President. We cannot grow or expand if Mr. President is not being successful.”
He said his administration was already producing results in Rivers State, which, according to him, had translated into growing grassroots support.
“I can assure you that we are already showing evidence of success through what we are doing in our state and the number of people who have confirmed their support,” Fubara said.
The governor committed Rivers State to Tinubu's political project, saying lawmakers associated with his administration were also involved.
“Now we stand with Mr. President,” he said.
“On behalf of the good people of Rivers State, my supporting members of the National Assembly and members of the State Assemblies who are with us, I can assure you that your new home is Rivers State.”
Using family imagery, Fubara described the APC as his “father’s house” and said he would formally invite the party leadership to Rivers to complete political restructuring.
“I am now at my father’s house, but it would be appropriate for the father to also come to his son’s house, so that the people of Rivers State know that this is really a whole process,” he said, promising “the full support of my government and the people of Rivers State.”
Responding on behalf of the APC leadership, Basiru said the party was happy with Fubara’s decision, describing it as a big boost to APC dominance in the South-South.
Basiru said, “As a party, we are very happy that you have decided to join us, because with your inclinations, you are progressive and true, and you complete the circle for us in the South-South region.”
“The geopolitical zone is the first which is completely APC.”
He said that the South was vital to national political power, arguing that Fubara's accession had dramatically strengthened the ruling party.
“If the strength of our party was earlier at Power 50, now it is much better and has become Power 100,” he said.
Basiru also rejected criticisms of the APC's growing influence, insisting that political victories are not achieved on social media.
“Elections are not won on Twitter or in the pages of newspapers. Elections and politics are very serious business,” he said, adding that Tinubu's leadership has set the party up for victory in 2027.
“Our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is not just a good administrator; he is a corporate leader and a politician. As the days go by, fully engaging with him in the renewal agenda, the victory of APC 2027 is assured,” he said.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Fubara said his move to the APC was less a defection than a formalization of his long-held political beliefs.
He said, “When you say new member of progressives, it is correct, but I have always been a progressive at heart.”
“Now that I am a member, I will ensure that I bring everyone together for greater unity and progress of the party in the state. So there is nothing to worry about, you have a direction now.”
He described his transition as “one of the easiest things I have done in my life”, adding that it was motivated by gratitude towards President Tinubu.
“My joining the Progressive Congress is to thank Mr. President and join hands with other progressives to develop our state and Nigeria at large,” Fubara said.
“It wasn't a hard decision; it was easy.”
Fubara also took a dig at his former party, the People's Democratic Party (PDP), saying he never felt fully integrated and bore the brunt of its internal crisis.
He said, “If I have to be honest, was I really a member of the PDP? I was not.” “Ninety percent of what I suffered during the political crisis was imposed on me by the party. I was there… in the balcony, I was not inside the house; I was outside.”
He said his entry into the APC will now provide leadership and direction to the party in Rivers State, thereby setting the stage for unity and political consolidation ahead of future elections.
