The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted sharply to the defection of Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, describing his move to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a regrettable but self-inflicted political blow.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP expressed disappointment but insisted the governor had long charted a path that inevitably led to this outcome.
According to the party, the episode perfectly mirrors the old legal maxim volenti non fit injuria — “to one who is willing, no harm can be done.”
“Everyone who has followed the developments that culminated in this uneventful defection will recall that the Governor willingly travelled the path that took him to this destination,” the PDP said. “Having done so voluntarily, he cannot turn around and accuse our party, or any other person or group, of abandoning or not protecting him.”
The party added that those who defended Fubara during his political battles — including civil society groups and ordinary Nigerians — deserved appreciation, not blame. “It is our prayer that the Governor should not suffer from Stockholm Syndrome, where a victim falls in love with his captor,” the statement added. “In all, despite these, we pity the Governor and wish him well.”
Beyond the defection, the PDP lamented what it described as the weakening of democratic institutions in Nigeria. It warned that the Rivers crisis reflects a political environment where “individuals are bigger and stronger than institutions” and can allegedly wield federal power to intimidate opponents.
“Democracy is terribly threatened by acts of this kind,” the party said, urging Nigerians to unite against what it called a “progressive decline of democratic norms.”
The PDP also accused the ruling party of driving the country toward a one-party state, insisting the political space is tightening dangerously. “Democracy is under severe attack in Nigeria. Everyone must rise together to oppose this ignoble trip toward electoral authoritarianism,” the statement warned.
The party ended by reaffirming its commitment to defending Nigeria’s democracy, both at home and before the international community.