Speculation is mounting that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, may soon dump the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress following fresh political turbulence in the state.

Last Friday, 17 members of the House of Assembly loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike and led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule announced their defection from the PDP to the APC, instantly shifting the legislature’s balance of power. The only three lawmakers considered loyal to Fubara have not resumed sitting since the six-month emergency rule in the state was lifted, deepening uncertainty around the governor’s political future.

Speaking with The PUNCH, a PDP chieftain and former member of the House of Representatives, Ogbonna Nwuke, said recent political movements in the South-South suggest Fubara may eventually head to the ruling party at the centre.

Nwuke, who represented Etche–Omuma in the National Assembly and once served as Rivers Commissioner for Information, said the defection of governors in Delta, Akwa Ibom and, most recently, Bayelsa—formerly PDP strongholds—points to a broader trend that may pull Fubara along.

He said, “If you look at what is going on in the South-South, governors elected on the PDP platform have decamped. Did we expect the Rivers lawmakers to move? It may have come as a surprise, but when you consider the crisis in the PDP, was it avoidable? Possibly not.

“When a party is bedevilled by crisis, people will naturally look for alternatives. The anti-defection provisions in the constitution recognise differences at the national level, and there are clear indications of such differences in the PDP.”

Describing the PDP’s recent internal actions—including issuing an unprecedented “expulsion certificate”—as signs of deep-seated turmoil, Nwuke said PDP members are simply reacting to a party that “has not been this divided in a long time.”

On whether Fubara might soon join the APC, he said, “There are speculations that the APC has been wooing the governor. Only he can confirm whether he is crossing. But what we’re seeing suggests he may consider leaving the PDP. And if he does, he will not be the first.”

But a senior Government House official, who asked not to be named, dismissed the rumours, insisting Governor Fubara had shown no sign of defecting.

“We are not aware that the governor wants to defect,” he said. “Even the lawmakers claiming to have moved to the APC have not fulfilled the Supreme Court requirement of registering at their wards. Until they produce evidence, nobody should take their claims seriously.”

The official added that the APC’s upcoming national convention means anyone intending to join the party at this time “would have shown clear signals,” which Fubara has not.

“I don’t see any sign and he has not told us he will be joining the APC. Very soon the APC will round off receiving defectors because in December they will hold their convention. If the governor wanted to move, he would have shown signs by now. But let’s keep our fingers crossed,”he added.

Similarly, the factional PDP chairman in Rivers State, Robinson Ewor, mocked the defected lawmakers, saying the party would work to reclaim its mandate.

“My prayer is that they shouldn’t deny again,” he said. “There is no division in the PDP that justifies their action. What they are holding is the PDP’s mandate.”

Ewor vowed that the PDP would reclaim its mandate from the defected lawmakers.

“We must definitely talk to the remaining PDP lawmakers. And for those who have moved, the party must make an effort to reclaim its mandate. What they are holding is the PDP mandate.”

When asked if he would welcome Fubara to the APC, state APC chairman, Tony Okocha, said he had not been contacted by the governor.

“I’m not a soothsayer. The governor has not reached out to me. If I have the opportunity of talking to him, I will advise him to follow his mind. Why put the cart before the horse?” he said.

Meanwhile, fresh tension may be brewing as the Amaewhule-led Assembly continues to sit at the lawmakers’ residential quarters along Aba Road, despite Fubara’s insistence that the newly reconstructed Assembly complex will be ready this month and his promise to present the 2026 budget there.

At their sitting last Friday, Amaewhule queried the governor’s delay in forwarding a full list of commissioner-nominees to the House, noting that Fubara was running the state with only eight commissioners—an action he said contravenes constitutional expectations.

Former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has criticized his disqualification from the party’s Osun governorship primary, calling the decision “a huge joke” and accusing the screening panel of being biased and engaging in procedural violations.

Speaking to journalists after appearing before the APC Appeal Committee on Saturday in Abuja, Omisore strongly denounced the credibility of the screening panel’s report. He claimed the panel’s actions were influenced by external pressure and partisanship.

Omisore said, “The panel report is the biggest joke of the year. It is unfortunate that partisanship has been taken beyond politics. We know that the panel produced multiple reports, and the one submitted to the secretariat was not the original. As we speak, none of us has been shown the report or told why we were disqualified.”

He further alleged that the chairman of the panel privately admitted to being under pressure to disqualify all major aspirants in favour of a particular candidate. “The chairman told us he was under pressure. Unfortunately, we are all victims of this,” he added.

The former deputy governor also challenged the grounds of his disqualification, particularly the panel’s claim that the aspirants lacked the required number of nominators.

Omisore argued that the party leadership had full access to the membership register and should have verified the details before issuing such a claim.

“He who alleges must prove,” he stated, further expressing confidence that the National Working Committee (NWC) would overturn the disqualification decision.

Omisore emphasized that the issues raised by the panel highlighted deeper divisions within the Osun APC, pointing out that even the committee’s own report acknowledged the party’s factionalization and the risk of losing the upcoming election. “So what exactly are we talking about?” Omisore questioned.

Omisore concluded by reiterating that all seven disqualified aspirants would individually appear before the appeal panel. He stressed that the appeal process must be guided by fairness and transparency, urging that the party’s decision should be based on integrity and due process.

The Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as well as support for his Renewed Hope Agenda and re-election in 2027.

Also, the forum called on Nigerians to remain calm in the face of the insecurity challenge, as governments are taking holistic measures to tackle the challenge.

Chairman of the PGF, and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, made the declaration while reading the communique arrived at the end of a crucial meeting by the PGF, and All Progressives Congress, APC, Stakeholders Meeting in Lagos.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted the forum, which had 12 other PGF members in attendance.

Roll call

Those in attendance attendance include: Kebbi, Dr. Nasir Idris; Edo, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Ogun, Dapo Abiodun; Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji; Ondo, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Sokoto, Ahmad Aliyu, Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno; Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori; Enugu, Peter Mbah; Kaduna, Uba Sani; Katsina, Dikko Umar.

The PGF in Nigeria is a body of governors elected on the APC platform, established to coordinate policies, share experiences, and drive development, focusing on human development, poverty eradication, job creation, and promoting the APC’s social democratic agenda across APC-controlled states.

They hold regular meetings, implement initiatives like gender equality strategies, and collaborate with the federal government and traditional institutions to ensure coherent governance and national progress, supporting President Tinubu’s reforms and promoting transparency.

Other personalities on the occasion include: Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Senator Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East); Lagos Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Chairman, Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, Tajudeen Olusi; APC Chairman; other party chieftains, members of the State Executive Council, among others.

The communique read by Uzodimma, read in part: “The Forum undertook a broad review of the political, economic and social environment in the country.

“Governors reaffirmed that the ultimate purpose of every reform must be to improve the daily lives of Nigerians, protect their dignity, and expand opportunities for all: rural and urban, youth and elderly, women and men, workers, entrepreneurs and vulnerable groups alike.

“The PGF commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to stabilizing the economy, strengthening national security and laying the foundations of sustainable growth through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The Forum noted ongoing efforts at food security, power sector improvement, transport and infrastructure upgrades, social investment, and support for productive enterprises, and pledged to align state policies to maximize the benefits of these reforms for citizens in every ward and community.

“Economic Reforms, Cost of Living and Social Protection. Recognizing the temporary burdens that accompany necessary macroeconomic reforms, the Forum reviewed the state of the economy and the cost-of-living pressures being experienced by citizens.

“Governors acknowledged the resilience and patience of Nigerians and expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices being made in the collective interest of a stronger and more inclusive economy.

“The PGF resolved to intensify state-level interventions in areas such as food production and distribution, support to small and medium-scale enterprises, youth employment, social protection for the poorest and most vulnerable, and targeted relief for workers and low-income households.

“We, the Progressive Governors are committed to work closely with Federal institutions. the National Economic Council and Local Governments to ensure that things keep improving, that no group is left behind, and that the gains of reforms continue to translate into visible improvements in the quality of life of the people.

Security, Social Cohesion and Community Resilience

“The Forum reviewed the security situation across the country and expressed appreciation for the improved coordination between federal, state and local security structures, as well as the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers, the Forum resolved to strengthen local security architecture in all the states.

“The Forum commended Mr President for the ongoing re-engineering in the security architecture of the country. Governors reiterated that safety of lives and property remains a non-negotiable obligation of government.

“The PGF resolved to continue strengthening community-based security initiatives, intelligence gathering, conflict-prevention mechanisms and support for victims of violence and disaster.

“The Forum underscored the importance of social cohesion, inter-faith harmony and inter-ethnic understanding, and urged all leaders to use their voices and platforms to promote unity, moderation and respect, while isolating criminality and hate speech in all its forms.”

Strengthening local governance, citizen engagement

“The Forum reiterated that effective local governance is central to delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots. Governors resolved to deepen reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and service delivery in local government administration, within the framework of the Constitution and in partnership with relevant stakeholders.

“The PGF agreed to expand platforms for citizen engagement, including town hall meetings, consultation with traditional and religious leaders, civil society, labour, professional bodies, youth and women’s groups.

“The Forum affirmed that listening to the people, explaining government policies clearly, and adjusting implementation strategies based on feedback are essential to building trust and sustaining democratic legitimacy.”

Party cohesion, support for the Renewed Hope Agenda

The Forum reiterated its unwavering loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and commended the leadership of the Party for ongoing efforts to strengthen internal democracy, discipline, reconciliation and inclusiveness.

Governors pledged to continue playing a stabilizing role within the Party, ensuring that the APC remains a broad, open and performance-driven platform for national transformation.

“The PGF reaffirmed its full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the policies of APC governments at all levels.

“The Forum emphasized that Progressive Governors see themselves as trustees of the people’s mandate and as a committee of leaders jointly responsible for translating the aspirations of Nigerians into tangible social and economic outcomes across the federation.

Outlook, call for collective responsibility

“The PGF expressed renewed confidence in the future of Nigeria as a united, peaceful and prosperous country.

“The Progressive Governors pledged to strengthen policy coordination, deepen inter-state cooperation and remain focused on practical solutions that place the people at the centre of governance.

“The Forum urge all Nigerians to go about their businesses without fear, while wishing all a peaceful Christmas and happy new year in advance.The PGF called on all Nigerians to continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda, engage constructively with their leaders, and uphold the values of hard work, patriotism and mutual respect.

“The Forum reaffirmed its determination to work with Mr. President. the National Assembly, Local Governments, the private sector, civil society traditional and religious institutions to build a nation defined by justice, opportunity and shared prosperity for all.”

Subsequently, while addressing APC statekelders, Uzodimma, urged APC stakeholders to go to the grassroots and spread the good gospel of Tinubu’s administration for the progressives to continue beyond 2027.

In his address, Sanwo-Olu commended Tinubu for his visionary leadership, saying he deserved second term in 2027.

He hailed APC members, particularly leaders and stakeholder in the state for their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing them as leaders fully committed to the Asiwaju vision and Nigeria’s progress.

Sanwo-Olu, also used the occasion to thank APC governors and members across the country for their loyalty to the party’s programmes, especially the Renewed Hope Agenda, urging them to remain steadfast, resilience in spreading the administration’s message to secure the party’s future electoral victories.

Sanwo-Olu described President Tinubu as “the best man to lead Nigeria to her promised land,” noting that their dedication has been central to APC’s strength and stability in Lagos.

The governor reaffirmed that APC governors are fully committed to ensuring the success of the Tinubu administration.

He commended PGF Chairman, Governor Uzodimma, for expanding the forum’s membership, saying the governors’ visit demonstrated solidarity and a stronger resolve to unite party structures across the country.

Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as “the headquarters of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” and thanked his colleagues for their resilience and support for the President’s reform efforts.