By the IDNN Political Desk | April 25, 2025
Amid a wave of political defections and rising speculation ahead of the 2027 general elections, Sim Fubara APC defection rumours have been firmly denied by the Rivers State Governor.
Speaking through his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that as of April 24, 2025, he remains a “bona fide member” of the party and currently serves as Deputy Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
🗞️ Sim Fubara APC Defection Rumours Dismissed
Social media platforms and online blogs were awash with reports suggesting that Governor Fubara, alongside Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno, were plotting a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The alleged move was positioned as part of a wider political strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While Governor Oborevwori has already defected to the APC, joining his deputy, predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and key PDP officials in Delta, Fubara has publicly distanced himself from the speculation.
“I doubt if the governor is even aware of the rumoured defection. He has not talked about dumping the PDP,” Omatsogunwa said in an interview with DAILY POST.
🏛️ PDP Under Pressure Amid High-Profile Defections
The recent move by Oborevwori has sent ripples across the PDP ranks, especially in the South-South geopolitical zone, once considered a stronghold for the party. The rumoured exodus has sparked fears of a coordinated realignment toward the APC.
Governor Fubara’s stance, however, appears to signal a pushback against such pressure. According to his spokesperson:
“As it stands right now, the governor is still a bona fide member of the PDP… Nothing has changed.”
Political analysts say Fubara’s next steps could define the PDP’s resilience in Rivers State, particularly in the face of an increasingly aggressive APC advance.
📌 Context: Who Has Defected So Far?
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Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) – Confirmed defection on April 23, 2025
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Ifeanyi Okowa (former Delta governor) – Defected alongside Oborevwori
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Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) – Rumoured, but yet to confirm stance
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Sim Fubara (Rivers) – Denies rumours, remains with PDP