By Tony Ezimakor | Abuja
President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Okaba Benjamin, has said there’s nothing unusual if embattled Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara decides to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Channels TV’s Morning Brief, Okaba scoffed at Nigeria’s fluid political affiliations, arguing that the nation’s political landscape lacks ideology.
“Even President Tinubu could defect to PDP tomorrow if it suits him,” he said.
The comment comes amid growing speculation that Fubara, recently sidelined by the federal government and placed under a six-month state of emergency, may be aligning with the APC after a string of visits to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and President Tinubu.
Okaba, however, was unfazed. “We don’t have political parties; we have platforms, vehicles for politicians to transit from one office to another,” he said. “There are no ideological differences. One governor even said, ‘If you don’t move with me, I’ll sack you.’”
He recounted how a former party chairman confessed ignorance of his party’s constitution after defecting. “So, what’s really the difference?” he asked.
Still, Okaba advised Nigerians not to jump to conclusions about Fubara’s loyalty. “Even if he defects, it may be for peace. But don’t be surprised if Tinubu wakes up tomorrow and joins the PDP. In Nigeria, everything is possible.”