The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has slammed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a “self-inflicted injury”.
Fubara announced the move on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, citing lack of protection from the PDP as a reason.
In a statement, PDP’s national publicity secretary, Ini Ememobong, said Fubara voluntarily chose his path, quoting the legal maxim “Volenti non fit injuria” (to one who is willing, no harm is done).
The party expressed pity for the governor, warning him against developing “Stockholm syndrome” — falling for his political adversaries.
The PDP also criticized the defection as a sign of Nigeria’s weakening democratic institutions, alleging the APC aims to create a one-party state.
“The Rivers situation shows how individuals can overshadow institutions, using federal power to suppress opponents,” the statement read.
PDP urged Nigerians to resist this “trip toward electoral authoritarianism”.