The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its readiness to accept suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara into the party if he decides to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This is coming amid speculation that Fubara might defect to the APC as part of a political negotiation to resolve the lingering crisis in Rivers State, which led to his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking via a rep, the reinstated Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Emeka Beke, simply said that a potential defection would benefit both Governor Fubara and the APC.
He revealed that because the states where the governor is not from the ruling party often face challenges in funding and participation in state activities, Fubara would be wise to jump ship.
According to him, Fubara’s defection would also give the APC greater leverage and visibility in the state’s governance, therefore, it is a win-win situation for both parties.
“Sure, we will welcome the governor. Do we have an option? Welcoming the governor into the party will mean the APC gains a strategic advantage in Rivers State,” he said.
Beke further noted that he would be open to offering guidance to Fubara on how to enhance governance in the state, noting that he is only withholding such advice because he is a member of the opposite party at the moment.
He then confirmed that the political dynamic would immediately change after his defection, and they’ll be able to rub minds as party members.
“As the governor of Rivers State, he automatically becomes the leader of the party at the state level. This would also allow the APC to play a key role in state programmes and functions.
As an opposition party, we have what it takes to help the governor do better than what he is currently doing. But we have kept our suggestions as part of our ideology. If the governor joins us, we’ll open our hearts to him and offer input on how to improve the lives of Rivers people and others residing in the state,” he added.
