PDP Describes Fubara’s Defection to APC as Self-Inflicted, Warns of One-Party Drift

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described the defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, as “self-inflicted,” warning that the development poses a threat to Nigeria’s democratic balance.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said the governor’s decision contributes to what it described as a growing slide toward a one-party system in the country.

The party stated that Fubara made political choices that culminated in his exit from the PDP and should therefore not blame the party or any individual for the outcome.

“Everyone who has followed the developments leading to this defection will recall that the governor willingly travelled the path that brought him here,” the statement said.

The PDP added that, despite the political tensions in Rivers State, the governor should not ignore the support he received from the party, civil society organisations and Nigerians during the crisis.

It also cautioned Fubara against showing sympathy toward individuals it alleged influenced his political decisions.

According to the party, the Rivers State controversy exposes deeper weaknesses in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and highlights the increasing influence of powerful individuals who, it claimed, deploy federal power to overwhelm political opponents.

The PDP maintained that recent political developments point to a shrinking democratic space and accused the APC of working toward the establishment of a one-party structure.

The party called on Nigerians, democratic institutions and the international community to remain vigilant, describing the moment as critical for the survival and consolidation of democracy in the country.