The APC in Rivers State has rejected Governor Fubara’s possible defection, saying joining the party won’t erase his actions.
Party chairman Tony Okocha insists APC is not a hiding place for political misconduct despite Fubara’s visit to President Tinubu.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has firmly rejected the idea of welcoming Governor Siminalayi Fubara into its ranks, insisting that switching political parties would not absolve him of his alleged wrongdoings.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the state APC chairman, Sir Tony Okocha, made it clear that the party does not serve as a safe haven for politicians trying to escape accountability. His comments came in reaction to recent speculation following Fubara’s visit to President Bola Tinubu during the Sallah celebrations, which some observers believe might signal a shift in political allegiance.
Okocha, however, dismissed such interpretations and maintained that the issues surrounding the governor’s suspension and the suggestion of a state of emergency in Rivers State were not politically motivated. According to him, they stem from alleged misconduct and governance failures, not from party rivalry or political persecution.
“Even if Governor Fubara decides to join the APC today, that will not erase his past actions,” Okocha said. “His suspension and the discussions around the state of emergency are related to his behavior, not political alignment.”
He went on to explain that the APC cannot function as a rehabilitation ground for politicians seeking to wipe their slates clean through defection. “You don’t just jump into APC and expect all your wrongs to be forgotten. That’s not how things work,” he added. “That would turn APC into a dumping ground, and we cannot allow that.”
Okocha also stated that there are formal steps for joining the APC, and anyone, including Fubara, must go through the proper procedures. He emphasized that political defection should begin at the local level, particularly the ward, and be followed by recognition from party officials at higher levels.
“To date, I’ve not received any official notice or report from any ward chairman about Fubara’s interest in joining the APC,” Okocha said. “If he claims to be a true politician, he should know the process starts from the grassroots.”
When asked whether he was concerned about Fubara’s meeting with President Tinubu, Okocha dismissed such fears, noting that the visit coincided with the Sallah holiday and should not be viewed through a strictly political lens.
“Why should I be worried because someone visited the president during a festive period?” he asked. “Just recently, Chief Olusegun Osoba paid a Sallah visit to the president, and so did Nyesom Wike. These are normal social interactions. The president is accessible to many, and no one can dictate whom he should or shouldn’t meet.”
On the matter of reconciliation between Governor Fubara and the APC or other political actors, Okocha was equally blunt. He said he had not seen any sincere effort toward reconciliation from the governor or his team.
“As far as I know, there is no peace initiative going on. If there is one, I haven’t heard of it,” he said. “The president has advised all parties to pursue peace, but I haven’t seen any moves from Fubara showing he’s taking that advice seriously.”
Okocha concluded by reiterating that the APC is focused on rebuilding and maintaining its integrity and would not be swayed by political theatrics or last-minute alliances.
