The Peoples Democratic Party has expressed pity for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, following his defection to the All Progressives Congress, describing the move as a result of his own political missteps.
In a statement on Tuesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said Fubara’s decision reflects a troubling trend in Nigerian politics where powerful individuals override institutions and manipulate federal machinery to suppress opponents.
Fubara announced his defection on Tuesday in Port Harcourt after meeting President Tinubu in Abuja, saying the move was prompted by his support for the president and a lack of protection from the PDP.
The party said, “The news, as pitiful as it is, is an exemplar of the old legal maxim Volenti non fit injuria, meaning to one who is willing, no harm can be done. The Governor willingly travelled the path that led him here and cannot blame our party for his current predicament.”
Ememobong urged Fubara not to fall victim to Stockholm Syndrome, adding that despite his decision, the PDP still wishes him well. He further warned that the ruling party’s push toward a one-party system and shrinking of political space poses a serious threat to democracy.
“Democracy is under severe attack in Nigeria,” the statement read. “All well-meaning Nigerians must rise to oppose this trip toward electoral authoritarianism.”
