“PDP Abandoned Fubara Completely” – Opobo Monarch Minema Praises Governor’s APC Defection

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A prominent traditional leader from Opobo Kingdom, Amaopusenibo Eugene Minema, has expressed strong support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara following the governor’s recent move to the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to the monarch, the decision came after the governor faced political battles without meaningful backing from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking during an interview on television, Minema suggested that the governor’s defection was not merely a political maneuver but a necessary step taken after he found himself isolated within his former party.

The traditional ruler explained that despite Rivers State historically being a stronghold of the PDP, Fubara allegedly received little support when internal conflicts intensified. In his view, party leaders at both national and local levels failed to publicly stand behind the governor during the crisis.

Minema described the situation as one in which the governor had to navigate a difficult political environment largely on his own. According to him, the absence of visible backing from party leadership left Fubara in a vulnerable position.

He added that under such circumstances, seeking a new political platform became a logical step aimed at preserving stability within the state.

In the monarch’s assessment, the governor’s decision to leave the PDP was a calculated effort to prevent prolonged political tension in Rivers State. He argued that the party itself had already been engulfed in internal disputes, making it difficult for the governor to resolve the situation from within.

Minema also credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with playing a decisive role during the most critical period of the crisis. According to him, presidential intervention helped prevent a political escalation that could have led to the governor’s removal from office.

The monarch claimed that tensions had risen to a point where impeachment proceedings appeared possible. However, he suggested that the President’s involvement brought key political actors together and restored order.

Beyond addressing the crisis itself, Minema emphasised the potential advantages of Rivers State aligning with the ruling party at the federal level.

He argued that cooperation between state leadership and the central government often strengthens political stability and can accelerate development initiatives within the state.

From his perspective, joining the APC was also a gesture of appreciation for the federal support that helped stabilise the situation.

The Opobo leader further spoke positively about the governor’s performance in office, highlighting what he described as an active approach to governance.

According to Minema, the governor has spent considerable time visiting project sites, supervising infrastructure development, and commissioning completed works across Rivers State.

He suggested that this hands-on style of leadership demonstrates the governor’s commitment to delivering tangible results for residents.

Commentary and Analysis

The remarks by the Opobo monarch add a new dimension to the ongoing political realignment in Rivers State. Traditional leaders often hold significant influence within their communities, and their public support can shape perceptions of political decisions.

Fubara’s defection from the PDP to the APC reflects broader trends in Nigerian politics where alliances frequently shift in response to internal party conflicts and power struggles.

For political observers, the situation also raises questions about the strength of party structures and the role of federal influence in resolving state-level disputes.

Minema’s comments about the importance of aligning with the federal government highlight a long-standing reality in Nigerian politics: cooperation with the centre is often viewed as advantageous for state development and political survival.

At the same time, critics may argue that such political transitions could deepen concerns about party ideology and loyalty in Nigeria’s multiparty system.

Ultimately, the long-term impact of Fubara’s move will likely depend on whether it brings the stability and development that supporters anticipate.