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PDP Accuses Rivers Governor Fubara of “Self-Inflicted” Defection, Warns of Threat to Nigerian Democracy

Published

8 months ago

December 9, 2025

485 Views

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the formal defection of Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a “self-inflicted injury,” insisting that the governor voluntarily walked into the political trap that led to his exit from the party.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP invoked the Latin legal principle *Volenti non fit injuria* (“to one who is willing, no harm can be done”) to argue that Governor Fubara cannot claim abandonment or lack of support after choosing the path that culminated in his defection.

“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 statement read.

“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 PDP commended civil society organisations and Nigerians who, it said, “freely stood up in his defence” throughout the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, adding that Governor Fubara “should have nothing less than praise” for those who supported him until he “capitulated.

”The party expressed pity for the governor and prayed he does not develop “Stockholm Syndrome, where a victim falls in love with his captor,” while wishing him well in his new political home.

In a broader critique, the PDP described the Rivers crisis as evidence of the “dysfunctional nature of our democracy,” where powerful individuals wield federal might to suffocate political opponents and force them into submission.

“Democracy is terribly threatened by acts of this kind,” the statement continued, urging all well-meaning Nigerians to condemn what it called the “progressive decline of democratic norms.

”The opposition party further accused the ruling APC of pursuing a “one-party state” agenda and deliberately constricting Nigeria’s political space, warning that the country is sliding toward “electoral authoritarianism.”

“Nigerians and the global community must note that democracy is under severe attack in Nigeria. Everyone must rise together to oppose this ignoble trip toward electoral authoritarianism,” the PDP declared.

Governor Fubara’s defection marks the latest chapter in the long-running political feud between him and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who remains a prominent figure in the PDP.

News

NMMA shortlist 972 entries for 2026 awards

NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.

Published

2 days ago

August 14, 2026

OCHEFA

37 Views

The Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) said that it has shortlisted 972 of 1,112 entries for this year’s awards.

The Chairman of the NMMA Panel of Assessors, Otunba Dele Adetiba, said that the entries for the 34th edition cut across print, radio, and television categories.

Chairman of the NMMA Board of Trustees, Prof. Dayo Duyile, said that the award was established in 1990 to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and excellence among media practitioners.

Duyile, a veteran journalist and academic, said the NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.

News

Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop

The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.

Published

5 days ago

August 11, 2026

OCHEFA

75 Views

•Faith Alayande

A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.

In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.

Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.

The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.

“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”

News

Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son

A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.

Published

5 days ago

August 11, 2026

OCHEFA

70 Views

• Joseph Ezeokafor

Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.

Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.

Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.

Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.

His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.

“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.