Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has welcomed the defection of two senators and several members of the House of Representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the development as a major boost to the state’s political standing at the national level.

The Governor’s position was conveyed in a statement on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Boniface Onyedi.

According to the statement, Governor Fubara said the decision of the lawmakers to align with the APC was a courageous and forward-looking move aimed at advancing the collective interests of Rivers State and Nigeria.

Those who defected are Senators Allwell Onyesoh, representing Rivers East Senatorial District, and Barinada Mpigi of Rivers South-East, alongside members of the House of Representatives — Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Hart, Victor Obuzor, Blessing Amadi and Felix Nwaeke.

The SSA noted that the Governor also commended the lawmakers for joining earlier defectors who had already aligned with his administration and the APC. These include Hon. Boniface Emerengwa, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante and Hon. Boma Goodhead, who defected from the PDP, as well as Hon. Umezuruike Manuchim, who joined the APC from the Labour Party.

Governor Fubara, according to the statement, said the growing wave of defections goes beyond routine political realignment, stressing that it reflects a shared vision to reposition Rivers State for greater relevance in national governance.

He explained that the alignment would strengthen collaboration with the Federal Government and place the state in a better position to attract development opportunities, promote inclusive growth and ensure long-term sustainability.

The statement added that the Governor linked the development to the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the political realignment in Rivers State is in tune with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

Governor Fubara further expressed confidence that the expanding APC support base in the state would contribute significantly to the success of the President’s policies and programmes.

He reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 General Elections and called on well-meaning people of Rivers State to join the APC in promoting peace, stability and progressive governance.

The SSA said the latest defections underscore the shifting political landscape in Rivers State as parties and political actors reposition ahead of future electoral contests.