The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, has downplayed concerns over the potential defection of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing political cross-carpeting in Nigeria as “a norm rather than an exception.”
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Prof. Okaba remarked that in Nigeria’s current political climate, defections are no longer seen as extraordinary. According to him, even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could switch parties if he perceives another platform to be more politically advantageous.
“If a former vice-presidential candidate can defect without much backlash, why should Fubara’s potential move to APC be treated as an anomaly?” Okaba asked rhetorically.
“What we have in Nigeria today are not political parties built on ideologies, but platforms created for political convenience.”
His comments come amid growing speculation that Fubara may be preparing to leave the PDP following a recent visit to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and subsequent reconciliation efforts involving two APC governors.
Governor Fubara, who is currently serving a six-month suspension due to the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, has also met with President Tinubu in recent days—his second meeting in a short span.
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Prof. Okaba stressed that these political maneuvers should not necessarily be interpreted as confirmation of Fubara’s defection plans. “Fubara has said clearly that he is ready to do anything to ensure peace in Rivers State. That should be the focus, not assumptions about defection.”
He further criticized the lack of ideological grounding within Nigeria’s political landscape. “I once asked a former state party chairman, who had moved from one party to another, if he could recite the first item in his new party’s manifesto. He couldn’t. That tells you everything.”
“Today, politicians switch parties at will. If the circumstances suit him, even President Tinubu could decide to join the PDP tomorrow,” he added.
The comments from the INC leader underscore the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances shift rapidly and party loyalty often takes a back seat to personal and strategic interests.