Rivers APC open to Gov Fubara – Party Chair

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has affirmed its readiness to welcome suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara into its ranks if he decides to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking to The PUNCH on Tuesday, Chief Emeka Beke, the reinstated chairman of Rivers APC, described such a move as advantageous for both the governor and the party, especially amid ongoing efforts to resolve the political deadlock in Rivers State that resulted in Fubara’s suspension by President Bola Tinubu.

Beke, speaking via his Chief of Staff Chizi Enyi, stated that the APC would readily accept the governor’s defection.

“We are prepared to receive him. Bringing the governor on board would give the APC a stronger position in Rivers State,” he said.

He pointed out that governors who are not aligned with the ruling party often face challenges related to funding and participation in state government activities.

Beke further explained that Fubara’s joining the APC would enhance the party’s influence and involvement in the governance of Rivers State.

“As the sitting governor, he would naturally become the party leader within the state, enabling the APC to have greater participation in state programmes and decision-making,” he added.

He also expressed willingness to advise the governor on governance improvements, noting that while the APC has so far held back from offering such counsel in its role as opposition, this stance would change if Fubara joined the party.

“We have the expertise to assist the governor to perform better. Although we have restrained ourselves out of opposition principles, should he join us, we will share ideas aimed at enhancing the welfare of Rivers State residents,” Beke said.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council maintained that it is nonpartisan and solely focused on the reinstatement of Governor Fubara.

Anabs Sara-Igbe, a council member and former spokesman for the Pan Niger Delta Forum, told The PUNCH in a phone interview that their concern is not party politics but the governor’s return.

He condemned the ongoing tenure of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the state’s Sole Administrator, labeling it unconstitutional.

Asked about speculations linking Fubara’s possible defection to the APC with reconciliation efforts involving his former political ally, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Sara-Igbe dismissed such talk as irrelevant.

“People of Rivers are not focused on party issues right now. What matters most to us is the return of Sim as governor,” he stated.

Sara-Igbe added, “We elected him; we do not want any other individual to take control of our resources.”

Fubara’s media aide, Jerry Omatsogunwa, confirmed ongoing talks between the governor and Wike but refused to share further details.

“They are in discussions, but specifics are still unclear. Currently, everything is speculation. The complete outcome will be revealed in due time,” he said.

On rumors about the governor defecting to the APC, Omatsogunwa said, “We have not received any information regarding that at this time.”