Rivers State Governor Similaye Fubara joins APC, bolstering President Tinubu’s dominance and reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape

Rivers State Governor Similaye Fubara officially joined the All Progressives Congress, bolstering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political dominance across southern Nigeria.

Also read: Fubara receives APC card in Port Harcourt

The announcement comes after Fubara’s six-month suspension and a high-profile disagreement with his former political godfather, former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Fubara’s move follows a wave of defections to the ruling party, with multiple members of the Rivers State House of Assembly joining the APC a week earlier.

Political analysts describe the shift as a strategic alignment to maintain political survival amid the APC’s widening influence.

Observers note that Fubara’s limited street credibility, previously reliant on Wike’s backing, made his position in opposition untenable.

The governor’s declaration effectively strengthens the APC’s presence, leaving the opposition with minimal leverage in southern Nigeria, where only Oyo, Anambra, and Abia states remain outside the ruling party’s control.

The ruling party now controls 27 states, consolidating its reach across the nation.

Political commentators have described the momentum as a “political hurricane” that has left opposition parties struggling to maintain cohesion and voter trust.

Despite criticisms from opposition stalwarts, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, the presidency maintains that defections reflect democratic freedom of association.

However, public perception suggests a significant tilt in favour of the APC, which has capitalised on strategic political manoeuvres and state-level alliances.

Fubara’s integration into the ruling party was accompanied by formal ceremonies that highlighted his commitment to the APC’s platform, signalling a new era of influence for the Tinubu administration.

Political watchers caution that street credibility remains a decisive factor in Nigerian elections, and parties failing to cultivate grassroots support may find electoral success increasingly elusive.

Also read: Fubara’s shock defection sparks PDP leadership crisis

The opposition faces a critical period of regrouping ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, as analysts predict that strategic alliances and state-level consolidation will dominate Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.