Speaker Martin Amaewhule leads 16 Rivers State lawmakers in defecting from PDP to APC due to internal party divisions
Speaker Martin Amaewhule of the Rivers State House of Assembly, alongside sixteen lawmakers, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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Amaewhule announced the decision during plenary on Friday, citing a “clear division” within the PDP as the driving force behind the defection.
He described the move as necessary to promote legislative unity and to align with a party better positioned to advance the interests of their constituents.
The mass defection is regarded as a major political shift in Rivers State, significantly enhancing the APC’s strength within the House of Assembly. Political analysts suggest the move could influence upcoming policy decisions and reshape local political alliances.
Party officials from the APC welcomed the lawmakers, praising their experience and legislative influence, which they said would contribute to effective governance. Meanwhile, PDP leaders have acknowledged the departure but have not issued a detailed response.
The sixteen lawmakers, now under the APC banner, include prominent committee chairpersons whose alignment with the ruling party is expected to impact strategic legislative priorities in the state.
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The Speaker and the new APC members are yet to outline specific initiatives under their new political affiliation.
