The political landscape of Rivers State is undergoing a significant shift as several supporters and loyalists of the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently adopted by opposition leaders ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
This development, learnt by NEW DAILY PRIME, marks a major setback for Fubara, whose political base within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appears to be steadily eroding. Sources reveal that the defectors have now pledged their allegiance to former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, who is believed to be eyeing the ADC presidential ticket.
The ADC was officially launched in Rivers State on 23 July during a high-profile event in Port Harcourt, the state capital. The launch witnessed the presence of Amaechi and other prominent opposition leaders, symbolising a united front ahead of the coming national polls.
“There was a massive defection from the governor’s camp, especially within the PDP, to the ADC,” a source disclosed.
“With the information I received recently, the governor himself is also expected to dump the PDP upon his return. However, it remains unclear whether he will be joining the ADC coalition or aligning with the ruling party.”
Governor Fubara was suspended on 18 March 2025, alongside his deputy and the entire state legislature, over an unresolved political crisis that destabilised governance in the oil-rich state. His return to office is anticipated in September.
When contacted, Sydney Gbara, the Publicity Secretary of the Fubara-led PDP faction in Rivers State, sought to dispel speculation over the governor’s political future. He emphasised that, as things stand, they remain members of the PDP.
“For now, the governor has not told me or anybody that we will be joining the coalition. So we are very much in the PDP,” Gbara said.
“If the governor comes up today and says we are joining the coalition or APC, I will follow him.”
On the defection of some of the governor’s supporters, Gbara described it as a matter of personal decision.
“Politics is a matter of choice. People are free to take their support wherever they wish. But there are others who are looking up to their leaders. Whatever he [the governor] does is what they will do, many of us have decided to remain with the governor and whatever interests he shares will be our interests too.” he explained.
