By: Abdulqadir Muhammad Alhaji
The decision by Siminalayi Fubara to withdraw from the All Progressives Congress gubernatorial primaries ahead of the 2027 Rivers governorship election has triggered widespread political speculation, with indications that the move may not be unconnected to an alleged plan to defect to another political platform.
In a personally signed statement dated May 20, 2026, Governor Fubara announced his withdrawal from the APC primaries, citing “peace, stability, and unity” of Rivers State as reasons behind what he described as a “difficult but necessary decision.” The governor also pledged support for whoever eventually emerges as the candidate of the party.
However, political observers within Rivers State believe the governor’s carefully worded statement may signal deeper political calculations amid the growing internal power struggle within the APC in the state.
Sources close to the unfolding developments alleged that Governor Fubara’s withdrawal may be linked to anticipated plans to dump the APC for the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), although no official confirmation has yet been made by the governor or his political camp.
The development comes amid increasing tensions surrounding the control of the APC structure in Rivers State, reportedly dominated by loyalists of former Rivers governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Analysts say the political reality within the APC may have narrowed Governor Fubara’s chances of securing the party’s governorship ticket for a second term, especially with the party’s leadership structure believed to be firmly aligned with Wike’s political bloc.
Observers argue that withdrawing from the primaries at this stage could provide the governor room for fresh political negotiations outside the APC ahead of the general election season.
Another major factor fueling the defection speculation is the Electoral Act guiding Nigeria’s electoral process. Legal and political analysts note that under the provisions regulating party nominations, a candidate who fully participates in the primary election process of one political party may face legal and procedural limitations in subsequently contesting under another political party for the same election cycle.
This has led to growing interpretations that Governor Fubara’s early withdrawal may have been strategically designed to avoid possible legal complications should he eventually decide to pursue his second-term ambition under a different political platform.
The governor’s statement itself has further intensified public curiosity, particularly his remarks suggesting he had endured “immense pressures and difficult choices,” while maintaining deliberate silence “for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.”
Political stakeholders believe the situation could significantly reshape Rivers State’s political landscape in the coming months, with possible defections and realignments capable of affecting both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Should Governor Fubara eventually defect, analysts warn that the move could trigger fresh political uncertainty across Rivers State, potentially dividing support bases across major political parties while opening a new chapter in the state’s already tense political environment.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the APC leadership in Rivers State nor the governor’s media team has officially responded to the growing speculation surrounding the alleged planned defection to the NDC.
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