Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that most of the political turmoil he experienced in the state was imposed on him by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing his membership of the party as largely nominal. Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national headquarters in Abuja, Fubara said his decision to join the ruling party was not borne out of pressure but appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for intervening during the political crisis in Rivers State. He said that although he was formally in the PDP, he was not actively involved in its internal structure, adding that about 90 percent of the challenges he faced during the crisis were imposed by the party. According to the governor, joining the APC aligned with his long-standing progressive ideals and provided an opportunity to work closely with President Tinubu and other progressives to develop Rivers State and Nigeria. The governor’s defection followed months of political instability in the state arising from a prolonged power struggle with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over control of the PDP structure. The crisis led to the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the governor and the state House of Assembly before his reinstatement in September 2025. Following his defection, four members of the House of Representatives from Rivers State also joined the APC, citing internal crises and divisions within their former parties. Governor Fubara said his immediate focus is to unite members of the APC in Rivers State and provide clear leadership for the party’s growth ahead of the 2027 general elections. He further stated that delivering support for the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027 is a key responsibility, expressing confidence in the backing he enjoys within the state.