The defection by Siminalayi Fubara into the All Progressives Congress has not been followed by a formal welcome, months after he left the Peoples Democratic Party.
The governor announced his defection on December 9, 2025, ending his stay in the PDP and joining the ruling party.
His decision was met with excitement in Rivers State, as many believed he had broken away from the control of his political benefactor.
Soon after, the state APC chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, handed him a party membership card under the directive of the national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda.
Despite this, the usual ceremony organised for high-profile defectors has not taken place.
In the APC, governors who join from other parties are often received in large gatherings attended by top figures such as the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, along with other party leaders.
In contrast, governors who moved to the APC after Fubara have already been formally welcomed. These include Abba Kabir Yusuf, Ahmadu Fintiri, Caleb Muftwang, and Dauda Lawal.
Observers said such receptions go beyond celebration, as they show that the new entrant has been fully accepted and recognised as a leader within the party.
Without it, some party members may not fully accord the governor the status expected of him.
The delay has been linked to the ongoing political tension in Rivers State, especially the rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Although Bola Tinubu stepped in earlier to calm the situation, both sides are still acting carefully.
It was gathered that Fubara’s decision to join the APC was taken without prior agreement with Wike, leading to a struggle over control of party structures in the state.
This situation has made it difficult to organise a reception without creating further tension.
Sources within the party said holding such an event could send the message that the governor has taken full control of the APC in Rivers, especially if key figures fail to attend.
There are also concerns about speeches that may be delivered at the event, which could worsen the disagreement if not properly managed.
Another source said the current political arrangement leaves the governor with limited influence in the party, raising questions about why his reception has been delayed for months after his defection.
According to the source, the situation may affect future political plans ahead of the 2027 elections.
Supporters of the governor have expressed worry over the delay, saying it sends the wrong signal to party members and the public.
Some believe the national leadership should organise the event to reassure people in the state that the governor is fully accepted.
A political stakeholder, Chris Finebone, said the delay might not be connected to the dispute in the state but could be due to the busy schedule of party leaders.
He added that residents are waiting to see the same kind of reception given to other governors.
Also speaking, Comrade David-West Benewarie said the governor’s membership remains valid whether a ceremony is held or not.
However, he noted that a formal welcome could strengthen the party’s chances in the state ahead of the next general elections.
Another analyst, Fyneface Dumnamene, linked the situation to the unresolved crisis in Rivers, saying it has made it hard for party leaders to agree on the next step.
He believes the reception may still happen before the 2027 elections.
Reacting to the issue, Chief Tony Okocha said the responsibility for organising such a reception lies with the national leadership, not the state chapter.
A source at the party’s national secretariat said no final decision has been taken on the matter.
The source added that while such receptions are common, they are not required by the party’s constitution, and the governor remains a recognised member regardless.
For now, the situation remains uncertain, and the delay continues to raise questions about the internal balance of power within the APC in Rivers State.
