APC to Fubara: Defection Won’t Save You
Rivers APC to Fubara: Defecting Won’t Clean Your Slate
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has issued a stern warning to the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, stating that his political transgressions will not be erased by defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
State APC Chairman, Sir Tony Okocha, made this statement on Tuesday, June 10, in Abuja while responding to media inquiries about Fubara’s recent Sallah visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — a move that sparked speculation about possible political realignment.
Okocha was unequivocal in his response, stressing that the APC is not a refuge for embattled politicians seeking to escape accountability.
“If Fubara decides to join the APC, that has nothing to do with the political crisis or talk of a state of emergency in Rivers. His sins won’t simply be wiped away because he joins us. That’s not how our party operates,” Okocha said.
He emphasized that the APC would not serve as a “dumping ground” for political figures with questionable records, dismissing the notion that defection equates to redemption.
“You can’t just jump into the APC and expect your sins to be forgiven. That’s a dangerous assumption.
If we allow that, the APC becomes a sanctuary for political misconduct, and we’re not about that.
Fubara hasn’t reached out to me or followed due process. Entry into our party must be through the door — not the window.”
Okocha further explained that there are established procedures for joining the APC, especially for someone of Fubara’s stature. He insisted that any legitimate move to join the party must begin at the grassroots level.
“Every defection must start from the ward level. As a politician, he should know that all politics is local. He must engage with his ward leadership. As of now, no ward chairman has informed me of any such move by Fubara.”
When asked if he was concerned about Fubara’s meeting with President Tinubu, Okocha dismissed the suggestion, pointing out that the President is accessible to all Nigerians, especially during a festive season like Sallah.
“Why should I be worried that someone paid homage to the President? It’s Sallah, and many leaders have done the same. Chief Osoba, for instance, also visited. Even Chief Nyesom Wike was seen with the President. We cannot control who the President meets. If I had requested an audience, perhaps I would have been there too.”
Addressing rumors of possible reconciliation between the Rivers APC and Fubara, Okocha made it clear that no such process is underway.
APC to Fubara: Defection Won’t Save You