Governor Fubara's political move has sparked a heated debate in Rivers State, with Tonye Cole, a former APC governorship candidate, claiming it's a risky choice. But is it really?
Cole argues that Governor Siminalayi Fubara's recent defection from the PDP to the APC is a strategic decision, but he's concerned about the faction Fubara has joined. Fubara's move, in December 2025, was celebrated by the APC's national leadership. However, the local party dynamics are more complex.
The key issue: Fubara received his APC membership card from Tony Okocha, leader of an APC faction in Rivers. But Cole insists that the Emeka Beke-led group is the legitimate leadership. This is where it gets tricky. Cole claims that until Fubara aligns with the Beke faction, his membership may not be legally recognized in Rivers State, despite national acknowledgment.
Cole explains, 'The welcoming faction isn't legally recognized, which is a problem.' He urges Fubara to switch factions, ensuring a warm reception from the Beke group. But is this a power play or genuine concern for the governor's political future?
Cole warns of the 2019 election crisis, where the APC's candidates in Rivers faced legal barriers. Are these warnings justified, or is Cole's stance a controversial strategy? The question remains: Can Fubara navigate this political landscape safely, or is his new party membership a potential pitfall?
