Gov Fubara’s Defection to APC Is Self-Inflicted, Threat to Democracy – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as “self-inflicted” and a danger to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said Governor Fubara’s political decisions directly paved the way for his departure from the party, stressing that he cannot attribute his defection to any internal party failing or external pressure.

“Everyone who has followed the developments leading to this defection will recall that the governor willingly travelled the path that brought him here,” the statement read.

The party noted that despite the political tension in Rivers State, Fubara received consistent support from the PDP, civil society organizations and Nigerians during the height of the crisis, support it says he should not now overlook.

The PDP also warned the governor against aligning with individuals it accused of steering him toward his current political direction, arguing that the episode reflects deeper vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

According to the PDP, the events in Rivers State illustrate the growing influence of political actors who deploy federal might to suppress opponents, contributing to what the party described as a shrinking political space. It accused the APC of attempting to entrench a one-party system in the country.

The opposition party called on citizens, democratic institutions and the international community to remain alert as Nigeria faces what it described as a pivotal moment for the future of its democracy.