Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) was straightforward and free of hesitation, describing it as one of the easiest choices he has made in his political life.

Speaking with journalists at the APC national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Fubara said his time in the PDP was largely passive, noting that he was never fully involved in the party’s internal affairs. He likened his position to watching events from the “balcony” rather than being inside the house.

The governor’s defection follows months of intense political tension in Rivers State, sparked by a prolonged power struggle between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over control of the PDP structure in the state. The crisis eventually led to President Bola Tinubu suspending both the governor and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months as part of efforts to restore calm.

Fubara, who was reinstated in September, officially joined the APC on December 9, 2025. His move came shortly after several lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly also defected to the ruling party, signalling a major political shift in the oil-rich state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Explaining his decision, the governor said he had always been progressive in mindset and saw his defection as an expression of gratitude to President Tinubu. According to him, joining the APC provided clarity, direction, and an opportunity to unite political forces in Rivers State for development.

He said his experience during the PDP crisis showed that he was only a nominal member of the party, stressing that most of the challenges he faced were imposed on him by the party itself. This, he noted, made his exit easier and justified.

Fubara pledged to work towards unity within the APC in Rivers State, assuring party members that his leadership would bring stability and progress. He added that his focus now is to collaborate with other progressives to drive development in Rivers State and contribute to national growth.

The defection has reshaped the political landscape in Rivers State, positioning Fubara as a key APC figure and setting the stage for intense political alignments as the 2027 elections draw closer.