By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has dismissed concerns over rumours that Governor Siminalayi Fubara might leave the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Robinson Ewor, the State Chairman of the PDP, described the matter as a personal decision for the governor. He emphasised that Fubara, like any individual, has the right to pursue political interests he believes are in the best interest of the people of Rivers State.
Speculation about a potential defection arose during the six-month emergency rule in the state, which ran from March 18 to September 18, amid reports suggesting that a peace agreement Fubara allegedly signed in June included a provision for him to join the APC.
Ewor stated that he had no knowledge of such a plan and that the governor had not informed him of any intention to leave the PDP.
Fueling the rumours, Governor Fubara was recently seen with Senator Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, as he was escorted to meet President Tinubu.
Observers also noted that in his broadcast marking the end of the emergency rule on September 18, the governor did not acknowledge the PDP’s role in restoring democracy in the state, despite the party’s efforts against the federal intervention.
Previously, at least 11 PDP governors had challenged the APC government in court over the emergency rule, while other Nigerians criticised the decision as “unconstitutional.