In a major political twist that has reshaped the legislative landscape of Rivers State, sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, on Friday announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement, made during plenary at the Assembly complex, sent shockwaves through the state’s political circles and intensified ongoing tensions between rival factions within the state’s political structure.
The Speaker, who spoke on behalf of the defecting lawmakers, said their decision followed what he described as a “deep and irreconcilable division” within the PDP, a division he claimed had made it impossible for them to continue under the party’s platform. Amaewhule explained that the factional crisis in the PDP had escalated to a point where members no longer shared a common vision, unity, or internal cohesion, forcing the lawmakers to seek a new political direction.
According to him, the situation within the PDP had deteriorated over the last few months as internal disputes, leadership disagreements, and power struggles weakened the party at the state level. He added that the lawmakers had reached the conclusion that the APC offered a more stable platform with a clearer sense of direction and alignment with their legislative priorities. The speaker’s declaration was met with firm nods from the legislators seated behind him, all of whom had signed on to the defection.
The development marks a significant shift in the balance of political power within the Rivers Assembly. With sixteen lawmakers crossing over, the APC now enjoys increased numerical strength, potentially granting it an upper hand in legislative debates, passage of bills, and oversight functions. This move also deepens the uncertainty already surrounding the Assembly, which has been embroiled in political turbulence since late 2023 following a series of factional crises between political blocs loyal to different power centres in the state.
Political observers note that this defection is not occurring in isolation. Rivers State has in the past year witnessed at least two major waves of party defections within the Assembly, each one triggering legal disputes, public protests, and battles for legitimacy. In previous episodes, questions were raised regarding whether lawmakers who defected without clear evidence of division within their party should retain their seats, as stipulated in Section 109 of Nigeria’s Constitution. Legal battles stemming from earlier defections are still fresh in the minds of many residents, and Friday’s mass exodus is expected to revive similar debates.
Reactions from the PDP in the state were still emerging at press time, but early indications suggested that the party may challenge the move, arguing that the lawmakers’ seats ought to be declared vacant. Party insiders hinted that the PDP leadership would meet urgently to assess the implications of the defection and outline next steps, including possible legal action. Civil society groups and political commentators in the state have also begun weighing in, with many expressing concern that the constant movement of lawmakers between parties undermines the credibility of the democratic process and weakens public trust.
Meanwhile, the APC in Rivers State is expected to hold a formal welcome ceremony for the defecting lawmakers. Party officials, reacting briefly to the news, described the move as a “bold step towards stabilising governance in the state,” adding that the lawmakers made the right decision in choosing what they called a “progressive pathway.” They maintained that the APC would work closely with its new members to strengthen the legislative agenda and promote policies aimed at development.
For residents of Rivers State, the latest development adds another layer to an already complicated political climate. Many citizens expressed mixed feelings, with some accusing the lawmakers of opportunism, while others argued that party instability within the PDP made the defection inevitable. Regardless of differing opinions, the defection has reshaped the political equation and is expected to influence the state’s governance structure in the months ahead.
The coming days are expected to bring clearer reactions from key stakeholders, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, PDP national leaders, and legal advocacy groups. As Rivers State watches closely, analysts say the mass defection is set to shape the future of the Assembly, the strength of the opposition, and the broader political stability of the state.
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