Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed widespread speculations linking him to a possible defection from the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that he remains a loyal member of the ruling party.
Fubara made the clarification on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the newly constructed General Hospital and the remodelled Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Rumuigbo, Obiakpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The governor’s remarks come amid growing political realignments and rumours suggesting that he had dumped the APC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the next election cycle.
Addressing the reports, Fubara said the claims were false and largely driven by misinterpretations circulating on social media.
“I know that there have been a lot of drama in the media; one story or another. I am a member of the All Progressives Congress and nothing has changed,” the governor stated.
“People should stop using whatever situation that they pick up from the social media or their own interpretation of any situation to present me wrongly.
“I’ve not gone anywhere; I’m still a member of the APC and I remain a member. Whatever happens, what is important is supporting the overall interest of the party,” he added.
The statement is expected to calm speculations surrounding the political future of the Rivers governor, especially amid ongoing conversations around alliances and party movements ahead of 2027.
During the inspection, Fubara expressed satisfaction with the completion of the two health projects, describing them as strategic interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the state.
According to him, the decision to rehabilitate the Neuropsychiatric Hospital followed concerns over mental health challenges in the state, while the General Hospital project was initiated to address the absence of a standard healthcare facility within the area.
He explained that residents in surrounding communities previously depended largely on the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital for medical services, despite the distance.
“We didn’t have a General Hospital to serve the people within this area. The closest medical centre they had here was the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, which is very far from here,” Fubara said.
He noted that the available space within the hospital complex made it possible for the government to establish a General Hospital that would cater to residents of Rumuigbo, Rumuola, Rumuolumeni and neighbouring communities.
The governor declared that both projects had been fully completed and fulfilled promises made by his administration to Rivers people.
“Today, to the glory of God, we can see that the project is already completed. It is not 95 per cent complete, it is 100 per cent completed,” he stated.
“We’re happy because it is a promise made and a promise fulfilled. What is important is doing what will touch the lives of our people. Our people should be first, and that is how important this project is for us in this administration.”
Fubara was conducted round the facilities by the Director of Medical Services in the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, who showcased various sections of the hospitals, including wards, ICT centres, conference halls, students’ hostels and staff quarters.
The development comes at a time political tensions and alignments continue to shape discussions around Rivers State politics and preparations for the 2027 elections.