Rivers Politics Shifts as SSG Benibo Anabraba Leaves PDP for APC
Rivers State politics recorded another major development on Monday, January 5, 2026, as the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party. Dr Anabraba announced his decision in a letter addressed to the PDP chairman of Ward 1 in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, describing the move as a personal one. “I am writing to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party with effect from today,” he said in the letter dated January 5. “This decision is personal. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the party for the political leverage I have gained during the period of my membership.” Although the letter was silent on his next step, Dr Anabraba was later seen at the Rivers State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, where he was received by party leaders, effectively confirming his defection. Beyond the immediate shock, the move fits a familiar pattern in Nigerian politics. Across the country, changes in political allegiance are often followed by swift changes in posters, slogans and colours, as politicians seek to align themselves with the ruling party of the moment. Old banners disappear overnight, replaced by fresh images that suggest loyalty, renewal and sometimes redemption. In this tradition, party switches are less about ideology and more about survival and relevance. Political sins of yesterday are quietly erased with new posters, new handshakes and new public smiles, all aimed at staying close to power. Dr Anabraba’s exit also comes amid a wider wave of defections from the PDP in Rivers State, which gained momentum after Governor Siminalayi Fubara left the party in December 2025. He was appointed Secretary to the State Government in October 2025, following the departure of Dr Tammy Danagogo. Political observers say the defection strengthens the APC’s position in the state and may encourage further exits from the PDP. As in many parts of Nigeria, the posters may change again soon, but the underlying instinct remains the same: stay visible, stay forgiven and stay close to power.
| 2026-01-05 08:55:25