The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday.
In a statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party described Fubara’s move as a “self-inflicted injury”, saying the governor willingly took the path that led to his departure.
According to the statement, the PDP said the development fits the old legal maxim Volenti non fit injuria, meaning “to one who is willing, no harm is done”. The party insisted that Fubara cannot claim abandonment or lack of support after choosing his current direction on his own.
The PDP noted that Nigerians, civil society groups, and the party itself had stood by the governor throughout the political crisis in Rivers State, and expressed pity that he eventually “capitulated.”
The party also warned that Fubara’s defection highlights deeper problems in Nigeria’s democracy, where individuals appear stronger than institutions and can allegedly use federal power to intimidate opponents.
“It is a dangerous sign for our democracy,” the statement read, adding that well-meaning Nigerians must condemn what it called the steady decline of democratic norms.
The PDP further accused the ruling APC of attempting to push Nigeria towards a one-party state, warning that the political space is becoming increasingly restricted.
The party urged citizens and the international community to stand against what it described as a growing threat of “electoral authoritarianism”.
The statement concluded with the PDP wishing Governor Fubara well despite his decision.
