Governor Fubara’s recent defection to the APC in Rivers State has sparked a heated debate that could reshape the political landscape—but here’s where it gets controversial. While the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) publicly welcomed his move, former governorship candidate Tonye Cole argues that Fubara’s alignment with a specific faction of the party may leave him on shaky ground. In a candid interview on Channels Television, Cole emphasized that the Emeka Beke-led group is the only legitimate leadership of the APC in Rivers State, casting doubt on the validity of Fubara’s membership under the Tony Okocha faction. And this is the part most people miss: despite Fubara’s national recognition as an APC member, Cole insists that his affiliation with an unrecognized faction could render his party status legally questionable.
Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in December 2025 was widely seen as a strategic political move, but Cole warns it may backfire unless he realigns with the Beke faction. “Who is officially welcoming him? Under whose authority is his membership card issued? These are critical questions,” Cole pointed out. He further clarified, “Tony Okocha’s faction lacks legal recognition, which puts Fubara in a precarious position.”
Here’s the bold claim: Cole believes Fubara’s current standing within the APC is unsafe and could lead to a repeat of the 2019 election crisis, where a court barred INEC from recognizing APC candidates in Rivers State. “We’re the ones with the legal standing to welcome him,” Cole asserted, inviting Fubara to join the Beke-led group. “He’s not secure where he is now.”
This situation raises a thought-provoking question: Is Fubara’s defection a masterstroke or a misstep? While his move was politically savvy, the faction he’s aligned with could undermine his future in the party. What do you think? Does Cole’s stance hold water, or is he overstepping? Share your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
