Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has yet to be formally received into the All Progressives Congress (APC) 78 days after announcing his defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor formally declared his switch to the APC on December 10, 2025, following months of political tension with his predecessor and now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The dispute had previously escalated to the point where President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.
After his reinstatement, the crisis reportedly resurfaced as lawmakers loyal to Minister Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara over allegations of gross misconduct, among others. Amid the lingering threat of impeachment, Fubara announced his defection to the APC less than 24 hours after meeting with President Tinubu. Weeks after, several assembly members had joined the APC.
The impeachment threat against the governor and his deputy was eventually dropped following a reportedly brokered truce by the President between both parties.
Since 2025, a total of seven governors, including Fubara, have defected to the APC and been officially received. Governors — Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State (April 23–25, 2025), Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State (June 5–6, 2025), Peter Mbah of Enugu State (October 2025), Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, and two others, Abba Yusuf of Kano and Agbu Kefas of Taraba — have all been formally received into the party with large traditional gatherings attended by party leaders and supporters.
The delay in formally receiving Governor Fubara has raised questions among political observers, with many speculating that it may stem from ongoing tensions between him and Minister Wike, who is widely regarded as the political leader in Rivers State. Some believe that formally recognizing Fubara could be interpreted as declaring him the party leader in the state, which might upset the Minister.
However, speaking on TVC a few days ago, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda explained that the delay was part of a strategic plan to manage regional sensitivities, particularly in northern states.
Explaining the party’s schedule of formal receptions, Yilwatda said:
“We have Kano we’re preparing for. When you’re dealing in politics, we opted to clear the north first because Ramadan is coming, and most of the people in the north are Muslims. We have a lot of communities in the north that are sensitive to the issue of Ramadan. So we pleaded that we clear the northern governors who have to come to the APC first before going to the south, where we don’t have Ramadan as an issue.”
When asked about claims that Governor Fubara appeared unable to assert control as APC leader in Rivers State, Yilwatda challenged the premise, demanding evidence of any internal complaint.
