𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗮 — 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻!

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗮 — 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi | Sele Media Africa Journalist

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has explained its strategic delay in officially welcoming Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State into the party’s core fold despite his formal defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last December.
Following months of political tension and negotiations, Governor Fubara officially defected from the PDP to the APC on December 9, 2025, citing the need for stability and a conducive governance climate in Rivers State. The move was widely viewed as a major political realignment with implications for the 2027 general elections and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Strategic Considerations Behind the Delay
According to APC insiders and political analysts, several factors account for the delayed official welcome:
Regional Sensitivities:
The APC leadership has exercised caution in managing the political optics surrounding Fubara’s defection, given the deep political rifts in Rivers State involving former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Party stakeholders argue that a hurried, high-profile reception could further fracture the state party structure and alienate key blocs. Comments from APC South-South leaders indicate ongoing consultations aimed at inclusion and unity.
Internal Party Alignment:
APC leaders say efforts are underway to “carry everyone along” by aligning Fubara’s integration with existing party power structures. The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, noted that while sitting governors often assume leadership roles within their state party chapters, broad stakeholder coordination remains essential for cohesion.
Focus on Grassroots Structures:
National Working Committee (NWC) teams deployed to Rivers State ahead of by-elections have stated that priority is being placed on strengthening grassroots structures and unifying party members under Fubara’s leadership, rather than staging ceremonial events.
Formal Receipt and Ongoing Engagements
Although the APC has not organised a nationwide welcome ceremony, Governor Fubara was earlier formally received into the party, where he completed membership documentation and received his APC membership card.
Since then, the governor has publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged support for President Tinubu’s administration and the party’s objectives in the South-South region.
Political Dynamics in Rivers
The delay also comes amid broader political tensions in Rivers State, marked by competing interests, legislative friction, and impeachment speculations. APC governors have maintained that they will not interfere in any legal or constitutional processes involving the governor, stressing respect for due process.
In summary, the APC’s cautious approach reflects strategic political management, internal party balancing, and sensitivity to regional realities, as the party positions itself for upcoming elections in one of Nigeria’s key oil-producing state.

CITATION
1.Daily Post https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/09/apc-why-fubara-is-yet-to-be-officially-welcomed-yilwatda/

2.Nigerian News Today https://www.nigerianeye.com/2025/12/joining-apc-easy-decision-says-fubara.html

3.Independent Newspaper Nigeria https://independent.ng/fubara-formalises-apc-membership-secures-party-card/

4.TheCable

https://www.thecable.ng/fubara-finally-dumps-pdp-for-apc

5.Punch Newspapers https://punchng.com/2027-fubara-completes-ssouth-alignment-says-apc-chair/

6.The Point https://www.thepointng.com/over-two-months-after-resumption-fubara-yet-to-gain-control-of-rivers-governance-structures/

About The Author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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