ADC Slams Fubara Over Defection to APC, Says Governor Failed to Consult Rivers People

The Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Rivers State, Leader Sampson, has criticised Governor Siminalayi Fubara over his decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC, without what he described as proper consultation with the people of the state.

InfoStride News recalls that Governor Fubara, on Tuesday, confirmed his intention to join the APC during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The governor explained that his decision was taken in the interest of Rivers people, adding that he had the approval of President Bola Tinubu.

Reacting to the development, Sampson said it was insufficient for the governor to meet with a few supporters and claim that Rivers people had been consulted before leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the APC.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen, the ADC chairman said the move was largely expected but described Fubara as “inconsistent and indecisive,” arguing that many Rivers people would not take the governor seriously.

“No serious Rivers person will take Governor Fubara seriously. It is very obvious that he has been inconsistent and indecisive about what he should do,” Sampson said.

He alleged that the governor’s defection may have been influenced by pressure from the Presidency, noting that Fubara had publicly acknowledged President Tinubu’s role in his continued stay in office.

“Whichever way you look at it, in his speech he said the President is the reason why he is still governor today and that joining the APC is a way of saying thank you,” he added.

Sampson questioned whether Fubara had truly consulted the people who gave him the electoral mandate.

“You cannot gather a group of people and call them your supporters and then claim you have consulted Rivers people. You cannot speak on behalf of Rivers people to justify defecting to the APC,” he said.

According to him, the governor’s defection further reflects what he described as the inability of many political leaders in Nigeria to take firm positions on critical issues.

He, however, described the development as a boost for the ADC, insisting that Nigerians have largely rejected the APC due to hardship and insecurity across the country.

“For the ADC, this is a good omen. It shows that Rivers people and Nigerians have rejected the APC. Fubara joining them also means he has rejected Rivers people,” Sampson said.

He accused the APC of worsening poverty, insecurity, killings, terrorism and banditry in the country, adding that the party no longer represents the interests of ordinary Nigerians.

“The same APC has brought poverty to Nigerians and Rivers State. People are dying every day, and you cannot travel safely by road in this country. That is the APC Governor Fubara has decided to join,” he added.

Sampson said the defection presents an opportunity for the ADC to mobilise Rivers people and offer a credible political alternative.

“We don’t take him seriously. This is an opportunity for the ADC to reach out to Rivers people and provide a credible alternative,” he said.

Addressing concerns that the ADC has been relatively quiet despite its ambition to emerge as a major opposition force, Sampson said the party was working strategically behind the scenes.

He assured that the ADC would unveil its plans and make its position fully known at the appropriate time.