In a dramatic turn in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape, sources close to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara have revealed ongoing negotiations that could see the embattled governor defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The move comes amid reports of a high-level deal brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, raising alarms about growing political coercion and the strategic dismantling of opposition forces ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.
Governor Fubara, who has faced increasing internal dissent within the PDP and was recently suspended under contentious circumstances, is believed to be under intense pressure from Abuja to realign politically or face further isolation and potential legal action. Analysts view the maneuver as part of a broader pattern of political intimidation aimed at consolidating federal control over key opposition strongholds.
According to insider accounts, talks between Governor Fubara’s camp and APC leadership have accelerated in recent weeks, with assurances reportedly made by the presidency to secure the governor’s political future and shield him from further harassment—on the condition of his defection.
Civil society groups and opposition figures have condemned the developments, warning that the ongoing pressure campaign represents a clear threat to Nigeria’s democratic integrity. “What we’re witnessing is a systematic attempt to silence the opposition and create a one-party state through coercion, blackmail, and manufactured crises,” said a spokesperson from the Centre for Democratic Vigilance.
As the 2027 election season looms, political observers warn that the Rivers scenario could set a dangerous precedent. “It’s not just about Fubara—it’s about the fate of political plurality in Nigeria,” said Prof. Emmanuel Ogu of the University of Port Harcourt.