The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Benibo Fredrick Anabraba, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further transforming the fragile political outlook of Rivers State, Africa Update can authoritatively report.
In a move that underscores a deepening realignment within the state’s executive, Dr Anabraba’s departure marks a definitive break from the embattled opposition party as he moves to maintain his unwavering alliance with the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
Dr Anabraba’s resignation was formalised in a letter dated 5 January 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the PDP, Ward 1, in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. While the SSG described the withdrawal as a “personal decision,” political insiders have confirmed that the move is a direct consequence of the Governor’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his correspondence, Dr Anabraba maintained a tone of professional gratitude, expressing his appreciation to the PDP for the “political opportunities and leverage” he was afforded during his tenure. He concluded the missive by wishing the party well in its future endeavours, though his departure leaves the PDP further diminished in the state’s administrative heart.
As the engine room of the Rivers State Government, Dr Anabraba’s exit is viewed by analysts as a significant strategic blow to the PDP. His role is central to the state’s bureaucracy, and his decision to follow his principal into the APC suggests a high level of cohesion within the Governor’s inner circle.
“This is more than a mere resignation; it is a consolidation of the Governor’s political base,” noted one veteran political observer in Port Harcourt. “By securing the loyalty of his most senior administrative appointee, the Governor is sending a clear signal that the transition to his new political platform is both comprehensive and absolute.”
The timing of the resignation occurring just two days after the suspension of the PDP’s Caretaker Chairman, indicates an accelerating pace of political migration in the state. As the Governor continues to fortify his position within the APC, further defections from high-ranking commissioners and special advisers are widely anticipated.
For the PDP, the loss of a figure as influential as Dr Anabraba poses a stern challenge to its attempts to remain relevant in a state it once dominated. For the SSG, however, the path forward is now clear: a continued and dedicated service to his principal, albeit under a different political banner.
Below is a copay of the resignation letter cited by Africa Update:
