A significant political controversy has erupted in Rivers State following claims by a former governorship candidate that Governor Siminalayi Fubara's defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not legally valid.
Fubara's Defection Deemed 'Politically Astute' But Illegal
Tonye Patrick Cole, the APC's candidate in the 2023 Rivers State governorship election, has publicly stated that Governor Siminalayi Fubara joined an "illegal" faction of the ruling party. Cole made these remarks during an interview on Channels Television, which was reported on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
According to Cole, the only authentic APC structure in the oil-rich state is the faction led by Emeka Beke. He argued that until Governor Fubara aligns himself with this legally-recognised group, his membership in the APC cannot be considered valid.
Despite questioning the legality, Cole described the governor's move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in December 2025 as an "astute political move." He expressed that the defection is welcomed by many within the party, including himself.
Cole directly addressed the governor, stating: "Even though he is recognised nationally as a member of the APC, the group that has welcomed him is not legally recognised. He should come. We will recognise and welcome him because we have the legal standing to do so. He is not safe where he is."
A Warning to Avoid Past Electoral Mistakes
The billionaire businessman issued a stern warning to the national leadership of the APC. He urged the party to take deliberate steps to prevent a repeat of the 2019 election crisis in Rivers State.
In that episode, a court order barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any candidates presented by the APC for elections in the state, effectively shutting the party out of the contest.
Cole's warning highlights the high stakes involved in the current factional dispute, suggesting that unresolved internal legality issues could have severe consequences for the party's electoral fortunes in future polls, including the anticipated 2027 elections.
Background of Fubara's Defection
Governor Siminalayi Fubara formally defected from the PDP to the APC in December 2025. The alignment was cemented on Friday, December 12, 2025, when a presentation ceremony was held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
During the event, Fubara was presented with his APC membership card. The governor justified his decision by citing an overriding commitment to the "safety, protection, progress, and sustained development of Rivers State."
He further assured the party's national leadership that with Rivers State now politically aligned with the federal government, the state would remain a steadfast APC stronghold under his administration.
This defection and the subsequent controversy occur against the backdrop of a prolonged and very public political rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The crisis has drawn in national figures, including President Bola Tinubu, who has previously intervened in an attempt to broker peace. The latest claims by Tonye Cole add a new layer of complexity to an already volatile political situation in one of Nigeria's most economically vital states.
