Rivers Speaker, 16 Lawmakers Dump PDP For APC

The political balance in Rivers State shifted on Friday after the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 16 other lawmakers formally announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move immediately altered the composition of the House, leaving the PDP with 10 members while the APC now holds 17 seats.

The announcement was made during plenary, marking one of the most significant realignments since the prolonged political crisis that has split the state along loyalty lines.

Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I, told lawmakers that his decision followed months of unresolved internal issues within the PDP. He said he had notified his ward chairman before taking the final step.

According to him, aligning with the APC allows him to “support national stability” under the current administration. “Distinguished colleagues, let me happily announce that your Speaker has decided and has indeed written to my ward chairman of my decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party. APC is my new party, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure my membership card is issued in no time. I am happy to be a member of the APC so we can join forces with Mr President. He is doing so much for this country, tackling security challenges and showing love to Rivers State,” he said.

The defectors include Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, Major Jack, Linda Stewart, Franklin Nwabochi, Azeru Opara, Smart Adoki, Enemi George, Solomon Wami, Igwe Aforji, Tekena Wellington, Looloo Opuende, Peter Abbey, Arnold Dennis, Chimezie Nwankwo, Gerald Oforji and Ofiks Kabang.

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The remaining PDP members responded by appointing Sylvanus Nwankwo as Minority Leader, a move aimed at reasserting the party’s relevance inside the weakened caucus.

Crisis Continues to Shape Power Block

The defections are the latest consequence of the political crisis that erupted last year between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and lawmakers aligned with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. What began as disagreements over control of the state’s political structure escalated into a series of high-profile clashes, including the partial demolition of the Assembly complex and attempts to impeach the governor.

The tensions drew federal attention, eventually prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in March. During that period, the governor, his deputy and the lawmakers were suspended. They were reinstated in September when the emergency rule expired, but the underlying divisions within the PDP never fully healed.

Friday’s mass defection further exposes the deep fractures within the party, both at state and national levels. With two factions already battling for control at the national headquarters, analysts say the exit of 17 lawmakers could affect the PDP’s influence ahead of future political negotiations.