Rivers State, Nigeria – The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, alongside 16 other lawmakers, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, citing ongoing crises within the PDP as the primary reason for their departure.
Ejes Gist News reports that Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I constituency, made the announcement during plenary, emphasizing the division within the PDP and expressing his commitment to the APC. “APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time,” he stated.
Also Read: Supreme Court Strikes Out Osun’s Suit, Says Tinubu Govt Lacks Power to Withhold LGA Funds
List of Lawmakers Who Defected
The defectors include:
- Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol (Gokana)
- Major Jack (Akuku-Toru)
- Linda Stewart (Okrika)
- Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni)
- Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3)
- Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2)
- Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2)
- Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1)
- Igwe Aforji (Eleme)
- Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1)
- Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2)
- Peter Abbey (Degema)
- Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo)
- Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche)
- Gerald Oforji (Oyigbo)
- Ofiks Kabang (Andoni)
With this defection, the APC now holds 17 seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The remaining 10 PDP members have appointed Sylvanus Nwankwo of Omuma constituency as Minority Leader.
Reasons Behind the Defection
Amaewhule attributed the defection to the ongoing division within the PDP and expressed confidence in the APC’s leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He stated:
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He is tackling issues of security headlong. The President has shown love to Rivers State; he is helping Rivers people to be part of the governance of this country. I am so delighted to be part of the APC so we can support the President right inside the All Progressives Congress.”
During the plenary session, House Leader Major Jack highlighted issues surrounding Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration, including the incomplete constitution of the state executive council and the absence of an appointed attorney general for Rivers State.
Political Background in Rivers State
The PDP has historically maintained control of Rivers State since 1999. However, internal crises in the party have escalated following the 2023 presidential election, resulting in factional disputes.
Tensions peaked when the State Assembly complex faced partial demolition amid attempts to impeach Governor Fubara, actions allegedly driven by lawmakers aligned with former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
President Bola Tinubu intervened in March, declaring a state of emergency, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the lawmakers, and appointing Vice Admiral Ibok Ete (retd.) as administrator. The emergency rule ended on September 17, with Fubara, his deputy, and the lawmakers reinstated.
Ejes Gist News gathered that the defection reflects a significant realignment in Rivers State politics, highlighting the widening rift within the PDP and the growing influence of the APC in the oil-rich state.
