Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed widespread speculations suggesting that he had dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that he remains firmly rooted in the party despite the growing political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor made the clarification on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the newly constructed General Hospital and the remodelled Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Rivers State, where he used the occasion to address what he described as misleading narratives circulating across social and conventional media platforms.
Fubara’s comments come amid intense political realignments and mounting speculation over his political future following the lingering power struggle in Rivers State politics. In recent weeks, rumours had intensified that the governor was considering a move to another political platform as part of broader consultations ahead of the next election cycle.
However, speaking during the project inspection, the governor categorically denied any defection plan, declaring that he remains a loyal member of the APC and committed to the progress and stability of the party.
“I know that there has been a lot of drama in the media; one story or another. I am a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and nothing has changed,” Fubara stated.
He cautioned political actors and commentators against relying on social media rumours and personal interpretations to create false impressions about his political position.
“People should stop using whatever situation that they pick up from social media or their own interpretation of any situation to present me wrongly,” he added.
Political observers believe the governor’s public declaration may be aimed at calming growing uncertainty within his camp and reassuring supporters amid the unfolding political permutations in Rivers State.
Beyond politics,
Governor Fubara also highlighted his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure across the state, particularly in underserved communities.
According to him, the decision to construct the General Hospital within the Neuropsychiatric Hospital complex was informed by urgent healthcare needs discovered during an earlier inspection visit to the rehabilitation centre.
“This very project, if you could remember, when we came in, we had an issue that required our sudden visit, and it had to do with mental health,” the governor explained.
“So when we came here for the inspection of the rehabilitation centre that the board was trying to put together, we found out that we had more issues than even the mental health issue.”
Fubara said the absence of a standard general hospital within the axis created serious healthcare challenges for residents who depended largely on the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), located several kilometres away.
“We didn’t have a general hospital to serve the people within this area. The closest medical centre that they had here was the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), which is very far from here,” he noted.
The governor explained that his administration decided to maximise the available land within the facility to establish a modern general hospital capable of serving residents of Rumuola, Rumuolumeni and neighbouring communities.
“We felt that with the space we have in this compound, it will be proper for us to also have a general hospital situated in this particular facility to take care of the neighbouring communities up to Rumuola, Rumuolumeni and all the surrounding areas,” he said.
Fubara expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work executed at the facility, declaring that the project had been fully completed and was ready for operation.
“Today, to the glory of God, we can see that the project is already completed. It is not 95 per cent complete; it is a hundred per cent completed,” the governor declared.
The governor’s remarks are expected to further shape political conversations in Rivers State, especially amid ongoing speculations surrounding alliances, party loyalty and succession calculations ahead of the 2027 elections.
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