The Peoples Democratic Party has reacted sharply to the defection of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the All Progressives Congress, describing his exit as a “self-inflicted injury.” Fubara announced his move on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt, claiming he received no protection from the PDP.
In a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party said the governor willingly took the steps that led to his eventual defection. Citing the legal maxim volenti non fit injuria—to one who is willing, no harm is done—the PDP argued that Fubara voluntarily walked the path that brought him to his new political home and therefore cannot blame the party or anyone else for his predicament.
The party expressed sympathy for the governor but warned against what it described as “Stockholm syndrome,” urging him not to romanticise those he now aligns with. The PDP said the development highlights the fragility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and accused the APC of attempting to transform the country into a one-party state. It called on Nigerians and the international community to resist what it termed a growing slide toward electoral authoritarianism.