Speculation is rife that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, may soon abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in favour of the Action People’s Party (APP), as political tensions in the state continue to escalate.
This potential political shift was hinted at by the National Chairman of the APP, Uche Nnadi, during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday. Nnadi’s remarks came in the wake of a bombing that targeted the APP’s state secretariat, situated in the GRA district of Port Harcourt, in the early hours of Monday morning. Describing the attack as an act of treason and terrorism, Nnadi pointed fingers at what he described as “criminal elements” determined to destabilise the political landscape of Rivers State.
The bombing, which occurred shortly after APP members had concluded a midnight meeting at the secretariat, has been linked to the ongoing political crisis that has plagued Rivers State for the past year. “It is really a sad day for democracy,” Nnadi lamented. “We condemn in the strongest terms the bombing of our Rivers State chapter secretariat. It is a heinous act. It is an act of terrorism, a treasonable act.”
Nnadi suggested that the attack was likely connected to the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024, in which the APP plans to make a significant impact. “We are all aware of what is happening in Rivers State—it is all about seizing the treasury of Rivers State,” he asserted, adding that this was not the first instance of such violent tactics being employed.
The APP chairman called on President Bola Tinubu and the heads of security agencies to take swift action against those responsible, whom he accused of trying to instil fear and violence in the state. “As a party, we are not deterred,” Nnadi insisted. “We are sure that they are getting the signal of Rivers people joining our party en masse in preparation for the forthcoming local government elections.”
The attack is seen by some as part of a broader strategy by opposition forces to frustrate the APP’s efforts in the state, particularly in light of Governor Fubara’s rumoured defection. “We know how they have been shopping for one order or the other in all the courts in the federation trying to stop the forthcoming local government elections,” Nnadi said. “They have seen that they have not been able to achieve that and have now resorted to violence.”
These developments come amid reports that Governor Fubara is considering a move to the APP, a decision allegedly prompted by the perceived hijacking of the PDP’s state structure by his predecessor and estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Should Fubara make the switch, it is expected that he will take a significant number of his supporters with him.
When contacted for comment, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, acknowledged that Governor Fubara had recently expressed dissatisfaction with the PDP but refrained from confirming any plans to defect. “I don’t want to speak on something I’m not sure of,” Johnson stated. “So, if you allow me, I will find out by tomorrow and give you the position.”
As political tensions mount in Rivers State, all eyes are on Governor Fubara and the potential fallout from his rumoured departure from the PDP.
