Fubara defection to APC has come too late to make any real political impact ahead of the 2027 elections, according to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. Speaking in Port Harcourt on Monday, Wike said the Rivers State governor crossed over without the structure needed to strengthen the ruling party.
Wike revealed that long before Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s exit from the PDP, the political ground had already shifted. About 22 local government chairmen and nearly half of the Rivers State House of Assembly members had defected to the APC on their own. According to him, the governor failed to move with the core machinery of power.
Mocking the timing of the move, Wike said a sitting governor should defect with lawmakers, council chairmen, party executives, and federal legislators. In Fubara’s case, he said, none followed his lead. The former governor described this as a clear sign of weak political control.
Wike also warned that loud public support for President Bola Tinubu does not guarantee political rewards. He stressed that slogans alone do not secure party tickets or electoral success. Leadership, he said, is proven by mobilising people, not noise.
He dismissed claims that Fubara received special treatment upon joining the APC. Wike insisted there is no “number one” member in Rivers State and that all defectors must register at their wards. He described reports of a symbolic APC membership number as political theatre.
Addressing accusations of secretive support for Tinubu, Wike said his backing has always been open and costly. He noted that his stance in 2023 drew heavy criticism but also showed his influence, as lawmakers followed his direction.
On the collapsed Rivers peace deal brokered by President Tinubu, Wike blamed Governor Fubara. He accused the governor of neglecting basic political reconciliation, including engaging Assembly leaders during the holidays.
Wike also expressed confidence that the PDP would lose the FCT in future elections, citing Tinubu’s performance and policies.
