Governor Fubara’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked a heated debate—one that could have far-reaching implications for his political future. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite being welcomed by the national APC leadership, Fubara’s alignment with a specific faction in Rivers State has raised serious questions about his legitimacy within the party. And this is the part most people miss: not all factions within the APC in Rivers State are legally recognized, and this could leave Fubara in a precarious position.
In a candid interview on Channels Television, Tonye Cole, the former APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, didn’t hold back. He asserted that Governor Fubara made a critical error by joining the Tony Okocha-led faction of the APC, which Cole insists lacks legal recognition. According to Cole, the Emeka Beke-led group is the only legitimate leadership of the APC in the state. This means Fubara’s membership, despite national acknowledgment, may not hold water at the state level—a potentially devastating oversight for a sitting governor.
Fubara’s defection in December 2025 was met with fanfare from the APC’s national leadership, and he was promptly handed his membership card by Okocha. However, Cole argues that this gesture is meaningless without the backing of the legally recognized faction. “Who is welcoming him? Who issued his membership card? Where is he even registered?” Cole questioned, highlighting the legal gray area Fubara now finds himself in. “Tony Okocha’s faction isn’t legally recognized, and that’s the crux of the problem,” he added.
While Cole acknowledged that Fubara’s defection was a politically savvy move, he warned that aligning with the wrong faction could backfire spectacularly. “Even if he’s recognized nationally, the group that welcomed him isn’t legally valid. He’s not safe where he is,” Cole stated bluntly. He urged Fubara to join the Beke-led faction, promising, “We’ll recognize and welcome him because we have the legal authority to do so.”
The stakes are high, as Cole reminded viewers of the 2019 election crisis, where a court barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing APC candidates in Rivers State due to internal party disputes. “We can’t afford a repeat of that,” Cole warned. “The APC must get its house in order, and Fubara needs to make the right choice—fast.”
Here’s the bold question for you: Is Fubara’s alignment with the Okocha faction a strategic misstep, or is Cole overstating the legal implications? Could this internal party dispute derail Fubara’s political ambitions, or will he find a way to navigate these turbulent waters? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
