The President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Okaba Benjamin, has stated that there would be nothing wrong if suspended Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara decides to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Channels Television's Morning Brief on Thursday, Benjamin described Nigerian political parties as mere "platforms put together for people to transmit from one position to the other" rather than ideologically-driven organizations.

"If a former Vice presidential candidate defects, what's wrong about Fubara defecting to APC? There is nothing wrong about that," Benjamin remarked, highlighting the fluid nature of political affiliations in Nigeria.

Political Defections Now Commonplace

The INC President's comments come amid speculation that Governor Fubara, who was suspended for six months over the political crisis in Rivers State, might be planning to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

These rumors gained traction following Fubara's recent visit to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his meetings with two APC governors in an apparent reconciliation effort. The suspended governor has also met with President Bola Tinubu twice in recent days.

Benjamin further illustrated the lack of ideological commitment in Nigerian politics, saying, "I had a conversation with a former state party chairman and I asked him, you have moved from PDP to this, and he said yes. I now asked him what is the first item in schedule of your party, and he said he doesn't know."

Even Tinubu Could Switch Parties

In a striking statement that underscores the transactional nature of Nigerian politics, Benjamin suggested that even the highest office in the land is not immune to party-hopping tendencies.

"Even tomorrow, Tinubu may decide to defect to PDP if he finds the party as a veritable platform," he stated, emphasizing that Nigerians should not be surprised by political defections at any level.

The INC President also referenced Governor Fubara's commitment to peace in Rivers State, noting that the governor had previously stated he would "do anything for peace" in the troubled state. However, Benjamin cautioned against interpreting this as a definite plan to defect to the APC.

The political crisis in Rivers State has intensified in recent months, with Fubara's suspension adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation. Political observers continue to monitor developments closely as the relationship between the suspended governor and his former ally, Nyesom Wike, remains a focal point in Rivers State politics.