News

Political Earthquake in Rivers: Rivers Governor Joins APC, Declares Himself Party Leader

Published

11 months ago

December 13, 2025

Quick Summary:
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara joins the APC, declares himself state party leader, and pledges loyalty to President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a dramatic political shift that has captured national attention, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared himself the undisputed leader of the party in the state.

The announcement came during an official ceremony where Fubara received his APC membership card, bearing the unique registration number “001.”

This move marks a turning point in the South-South political landscape, signaling a realignment of power that could redefine the region’s role in national politics.

The Rationale: A “Return Favour” to the President

Governor Fubara, who was elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described his defection as an act of gratitude and strategic alignment with the Federal Government.

He credited President Bola Tinubu’s intervention during the Rivers political crisis for saving his administration from collapse, stating that his move to the APC was a “return favour” to the President.

The Governor also linked his defection to the 2027 general elections, pledging to ensure a “smooth ride” for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in Rivers State.

The New Dynamics of Rivers Politics

Fubara’s declaration of leadership represents a direct challenge to the existing power structure, particularly that of his predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who has long been regarded as the dominant political force in Rivers State.

At the ceremony, Chief Tony Okocha, the APC State Chairman and a known ally of Wike, formally received the Governor into the party on the directive of the National Chairman, symbolizing a moment of political recalibration.

Consolidation of Power

Governor Fubara announced his intention to take full responsibility for the party’s welfare and operations in Rivers State, effectively centralizing control of the APC structure under his leadership as the sitting governor.

Political Shift

The defection follows the earlier crossover of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the PDP to the APC, a move that has tilted the legislative balance of power in favor of the ruling party.

Strategic Implications

Analysts view Fubara’s defection as a calculated political maneuver aimed at neutralizing opposition influence, securing federal support, and strengthening his position ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Future Outlook

The Rivers political landscape is now poised for intense realignment and rivalry as the Fubara-led APC consolidates its base and prepares to deliver the state for the national ruling party in the 2027 elections.

Observers predict that the power tussle between Fubara and Wike will shape the trajectory of South-South politics, influencing both party cohesion and federal-state relations in the coming years.

The defection also signals a broader trend of political pragmatism, where state leaders align with the center to secure developmental leverage and political survival.

Governor Fubara’s defection to the APC represents a political earthquake in Rivers State—one that reshuffles alliances, tests loyalties, and redefines the balance of power in the South-South.

By asserting leadership of the APC, Fubara has positioned himself as a key player in national politics, while simultaneously challenging entrenched political hierarchies within the state.

As the 2027 elections approach, Phinadon Magazine will continue to track the evolving dynamics of Rivers politics and their implications for Nigeria’s broader political landscape.

Related Topics:APC bolatinubu FubaraDefection2025 NyesomWike PDP PhinadonMagazineAnalysis PoliticalRealignment RiversPolitics SiminalayiFubara

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Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Late Mrs. Roseline Nwaibari Iwuagwu (Tomato Jos)

Published

3 days ago

October 30, 2026

Phinadon Mag

With heavy hearts, total submission to the divine will of God, and deep gratitude for a life well-lived, the entire family of the Late Mr. Raphael Iwuagwu of Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State, announces the passage of their beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, aunt, and sister, *Late Mrs. Roseline Nwaibari Iwuagwu* (affectionately known as *”Tomato Jos”), who passed away at the age of 86.

Tributes from Her Loving Daughters

From Her Second Daughter, Hope Anoma

“What can I say about a lady who lived most of her years devoted to the church? I spoke with my sister Chiaka and she told me about your condition. I couldn’t bear it; I rushed down from Abuja to the hospital (F.M.C) where you were admitted. You didn’t see me when I came in, only to spend two days in the hospital with you, thinking that you will wake up so that we can go home together. But mama, you left a space in my heart that can never be occupied. Who will welcome me whenever I am back? Who will make me laugh? Death, why now? Why did you take Nda’m away? Continue to rest in the bosom of your creator. My love for you is forever.”

Tribute from Chiaka Nnanna Amajirionwu

“Tribute to my lovely mom… She will call me Chiaka Nga Raphael and I will call her Chiaka Nga Nnanna—that is what we normally call each other. Who will ever call me that name again? Who will ever remind me of Orieobibi market days again? I never knew that a day like this will come that I will call her and she won’t answer me again. I know you have gone to a better place. Rest in peace Nda’m (my tomato Jos).”

Funeral Arrangements

The family warmly invites relatives, in-laws, friends, and well-wishers to join them in honoring her memory and bidding her a final farewell. The funeral ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

Friday, October 30, 2026

4:00 PM — Christian Wake Keep

Venue: St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Obibiezena, held at her husband’s residence in Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

Saturday, October 31, 2026

9:00 AM — Departure from Hospital

The body leaves Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, for her hometown, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

10:00 AM — Lying in State
At her husband’s compound, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze.

11:00 AM — Funeral Service
At St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A.

12:00 PM — Interment
Committal follows immediately after the funeral service at her husband’s residence.

1:00 PM — Reception
Reception follows immediately after interment at her husband’s residence, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

May Her Gentle Soul Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen.

News

TCN Arrests Over 30 Suspected Vandals Along Kumbotso–Zaria Corridor.

Published

3 days ago

October 30, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has arrested more than 30 suspected vandals of electricity infrastructure, particularly along the Kumbotso–Zaria transmission line corridor.

The Kano Regional General Manager of TCN, M.K. Bello, disclosed this during a sensitisation campaign against infrastructure vandalism and encroachment in Paki community, Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Bello attributed the arrests to the cooperation of traditional rulers, residents, the police and other security agencies. He also revealed that approximately 10 transmission towers had been vandalised within four to five months, while five related cases were currently before the courts.

He warned that vandalism could disrupt electricity supply and impose significant replacement costs on the company. Bello further expressed concern over excavation, construction and pit-digging near transmission towers, noting that such activities could weaken the structures and cause them to collapse.

According to him, the towers support transmission lines carrying electricity over distances of between 200 and 300 kilometres. He urged residents to avoid activities that could endanger the infrastructure and to promptly report suspected vandalism or encroachment to the relevant authorities.

TCN appealed for continued community cooperation to protect critical electricity facilities and ensure reliable power transmission.

News

TCN restores power to Karu, Keffi, and Akwanga after the collapse of transmission towers.

Published

3 days ago

October 30, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has restored electricity supply to the Karu–Keffi–Akwanga Transmission Line following the repair of three collapsed transmission towers.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, TCN said power supply was restored at approximately 5:31 p.m. The restoration also reconnected the 132/33kV Keffi and Akwanga Transmission Stations.

The three transmission towers reportedly collapsed on October 7, 2026, after heavy rainfall and strong winds disrupted the line.

TCN reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and strengthening the nation’s transmission infrastructure to support the reliable and efficient delivery of bulk electricity across Nigeria.