The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed grave concern over what it describes as Nigeria’s rapid slide toward authoritarian rule, following the defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to the governor’s exit from the PDP—an action Fubara justified by claiming the party failed to protect him—the opposition party dismissed his explanation as “pitiful,” insisting that his decision was the outcome of a voluntary political journey rather than abandonment by the party.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP leadership maintained that Governor Fubara knowingly chose the path that culminated in his defection and therefore could not shift blame to the party or any other group.
“Having done so voluntarily, he cannot turn around and accuse our party, or any other person or group, of abandoning or failing to protect him,” the statement read.
The PDP further noted that since the Rivers political crisis began, the governor enjoyed widespread support from the party, civil society organisations, and concerned Nigerians. The party added that Fubara ought to commend, rather than fault, those who stood by him until he eventually “capitulated.”
While expressing sympathy for the governor, the PDP cautioned against what it termed a possible case of “Stockholm Syndrome,” where a victim develops sympathy for their captor. “In all, despite these, we pity the Governor and wish him well,” the statement added.
Beyond Fubara’s defection, the PDP said developments in Rivers State highlighted deeper democratic failings under the current administration. According to the party, the situation reflects a system where individuals wield overwhelming influence over institutions, using federal power to suppress political opponents.
“The Rivers situation is a testament to the dysfunctional nature of our democracy, where individuals are bigger and stronger than institutions and can deploy the apparatus of the Federal Government to bring opponents to their knees,” the party said.
The PDP warned that such actions pose a severe threat to democratic norms and urged well-meaning Nigerians to resist what it described as a gradual descent into electoral authoritarianism.
The party also accused the ruling APC of pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state through the constriction of political space, warning the global community that democracy in the country is under serious attack.
Governor Fubara officially announced his defection to the APC during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, according to reports by SaharaReporters.
The move represents a major political realignment in Rivers State, a South-South region long regarded as a PDP stronghold, and is expected to reshape party dynamics ahead of future elections.