In a surprising twist, several key figures from other parties have announced their defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State after a massive defection from PDP to the APC.
Leading the charge were Patricia Ogbonnaya, the deputy governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 election, and Karibo Wilson, a former Ahoada-West Chairman and House of Assembly candidate. Both cited “people’s interests” as the driving force behind their decision.
Accompanied by their supporters and party executives, the defectors pledged allegiance to the PDP group aligned with Governor Fubara. The members of the Ehie-led faction of lawmakers, including Goodboy Sokari and Oko Jumbo, further bolstered Fubara’s position.
This influx of new members is a welcome boost for the PDP, which recently suffered a significant setback when 27 lawmakers defected to the APC. This mass defection stemmed from ongoing political tension within the Assembly, rooted in a discord between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Despite the defections, Karibo Wilson expressed unwavering confidence in Governor Fubara’s leadership and the support he enjoys from the state’s people. “Rivers people are in support of Fubara—the elders, the traditional rulers, senior political and opinion leaders, the youths, women—they are in support,” he declared.
This latest development in the intricate political landscape of Rivers State highlights the fluidity of allegiances and the potential for significant shifts in power dynamics. It remains to be seen how these defections will impact the upcoming elections and the state’s political future.
