Govs Fubara, Adeleke defect to APC, Accord party

Nigeria's political scene, on Tuesday, witnessed a harvest of defections of two Governors from the South South and South West geopolitical zones.

While Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, his Osun state counterparts crossed over to the Accord party, all from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. 

Fubara's defection followed months of speculation, but announced the defection while addressing stakeholders at a meeting held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday evening.

Fubara’s move came barely 72 hours after 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, who were also elected on the platform of the PDP, resigned and joined the ruling party.

He said that he defected from the PDP because the party failed to protect him.

Addressing the gathering, Fubara said he had “good news” for the people of the state, adding that he met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday to brief him on developments in the state.

After praising President Tinubu for his support to Rivers State and for what he described as helping the state overcome its recent political crisis, Fubara told his supporters that it was “better for us to move from where we are to where it is better for Rivers State.”

Beaming with his signature smile, the governor expressed confidence that Rivers State has the population and political strength to take a decisive step into the APC.

It will be recalled that one of the issues Fubara was reportedly asked to agree to during the peace process brokered by President Tinubu between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, was a possible defection to the APC.

The defection did not come as a surprise to many political observers, especially as the governor did not publicly acknowledge the efforts of PDP governors who went to court over the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State between March 18 and September 18, and the subsequent suspension of the governor, his deputy and the 32-member House of Assembly.

Fubara’s defection now means that all six states in the South-South geopolitical zone are controlled by the APC, heightening public concern among some observers that Nigeria could be drifting towards a one-party system.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Robinson Ewor, had earlier told Vanguard that he would not defect with the governor.

“He has the right to choose where he wants to belong. But if he leaves the PDP today, I will not follow him anywhere,” Ewor said.

From Osun state, Governor Ademola Adeleke officially joined the Accord Party ahead of the party’s governorship primary, scheduled for Wednesday.

The governor’s defection comes days after a resignation letter, dated November 4, surfaced online on December 1, following which the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) conducted its primary that produced Adebayo Adedamola as its candidate.

Adeleke formally announced his move on Tuesday evening at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Osogbo, in the presence of national and state leaders of the Accord Party.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor confirmed that the Accord Party would serve as his new political platform to seek re-election in 2026.

Speaking at the event, Adeleke said he joined the party on November 6 after extensive consultations with stakeholders.

“I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely on November 6, as the platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.

“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare.

“I welcome our party leaders into the Osun State Government House. You are now part of us, just as I am now part of you. We are united in purpose and goodwill for the people of Osun State and Nigeria at large.

“At this historic moment, our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for the elections. We have a duty to ensure inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are protected. Our party is here to take over governance in Osun and sustain the delivery of good governance.

“Since joining the party, I have been inspired by its philosophy. The welfare of the people must always be at the heart of leadership. The primary purpose of government is the well-being of the people.

Adeleke set to join Accord Party

“As governor, I have prioritised the welfare of our people, from workers to the entire citizenry. We have implemented programmes and policies to improve their lives, from infrastructure to social services.

“Today, we unveil a new platform for the people of Osun State. From Osun West to Osun Central to Osun East, this is our platform for victory in August 2026.

“Osun voted for good governance in 2022 and will support continuity in 2026. The people stand for continuity, and Accord is our party for victory next year.

“In line with the will of our stakeholders and in respect of the wishes of the people of Osun State, I hereby declare for the Accord Party,” the governor announced.