Sixteen Rivers lawmakers stage a dramatic defection from PDP to APC as Speaker Martin Amaewhule leads colleagues amid widening party divisions.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday announced the Rivers Lawmakers’ Dramatic Defection, confirming that sixteen members had left the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress during a charged plenary session.
Also read: Rivers Speaker and 16 Lawmakers Defect from PDP to APC
Martin Amaewhule declared his own departure moments later, stating in a formal address that he had notified his PDP ward chairman before committing himself to the APC.
He said his decision stemmed from what he described as a worsening division within the PDP, adding that the move would allow the lawmakers to align more closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Amaewhule praised the president’s efforts to confront national security challenges and highlighted what he called a renewed sense of inclusion for Rivers State within federal decision-making.
He vowed to complete the process of obtaining his APC membership card soon, crediting the president’s support for the region as a decisive factor.
The lawmakers who joined the defection included 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 and Ofiks Kabang.
Their exit marks one of the most significant political shifts in the state this year.
The development follows a vote of confidence in President Tinubu passed by the 32-member assembly on Wednesday, after Major Jack moved a motion urging the president to seek a second term.
Observers noted that the rapid alignment with the APC reflects rising tension within the PDP and a strategic repositioning ahead of national political contests.
Rivers State has been navigating instability since March, when President Tinubu declared emergency rule in response to a prolonged political crisis that saw Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and all assembly members suspended for six months.
The emergency measures, described at the time as decisive and necessary, were lifted on 17 September.
Also read: Rowdy Scene Rocks House as Lawmakers Clash on Motions
Political analysts say Friday’s dramatic realignment could have a powerful impact on the state’s political landscape as parties prepare for a new electoral cycle.
