Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara has dismissed widespread speculations linking him with a planned defection from the All Progressives Congress to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, declaring that he remains firmly committed to the ruling party amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor broke his silence on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the newly constructed General Hospital and the fully remodelled Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Rivers State.
Fubara’s clarification follows days of intense speculation in political circles and across social media, with reports suggesting he was preparing to dump the APC for the NDC as political actors begin strategic positioning ahead of 2027.
Addressing the rumours, the governor said reports of his defection were false and urged the public to disregard interpretations based on social media narratives.
“I know that there has been a lot of drama in the media; one story or another. I am a member of the APC, and nothing has changed. People should stop using whatever situation that they pick up from social media or their own interpretation of any situation to present me wrongly.
“I’ve not gone anywhere. I’m still a member of the APC, and I remain a member. Whatever happens, what is important is supporting the overall interest of the party,” Fubara stated.
Speculation about the governor’s political future intensified last week after his brother, Blessing Fubara, reportedly defected to the NDC, fueling assumptions that the governor and his loyalists—particularly state House of Assembly aspirants allegedly denied screening by the APC committee—could follow suit.
However, Wednesday’s declaration appears to have put the rumours to rest, at least for now.
During the inspection tour, Fubara was conducted around the medical facilities by Vincent Wachukwu, who led him through key sections of the hospitals, including wards, the conference hall, ICT centre, students’ hostel, staff quarters and other critical infrastructure.
Expressing satisfaction with the completion of the projects, the governor said the facilities were designed to address pressing healthcare needs in the area, particularly mental health challenges and the absence of a nearby general hospital for surrounding communities.
He recalled that the decision to expand the scope of the project was made after his administration discovered broader healthcare gaps during an earlier visit to the psychiatric facility.
“This very project, if you could remember, when we came in, we had an issue that required our sudden visit, and it had to do with mental health. So when we came here for the inspection of the rehabilitation centre that the board was trying to put together, we found out that we had more issues than even the mental health issue.
“We didn’t have a general hospital to serve the people within this area. The closest medical centre that they had here was the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, which is very far from here.
“We felt that with the space we have in this compound, it will be proper for us to also have a general hospital situated in this particular facility to take care of the neighbouring communities up to Rumuola, Rumuolumeni and all the surrounding areas,” he said.
Fubara added that the projects have now been fully completed, describing them as a fulfillment of his administration’s promise to the people.
“Today, to the glory of God, we can see that the project is already completed. It is not 95 per cent complete; it is a hundred per cent completed.
“We’re happy because it is a promise made and a promise fulfilled. Like I’ll always say, what is important is doing what will touch the lives of our people. Our people should be first, and that is how important this project is for us in this administration,” the governor said.
