By Ibrahim Adebowale
Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), deepening the political realignment in the state.
The lawmakers announced their decision during plenary on Friday, with Amaewhule citing what he described as a “clear division” within the PDP as the primary reason for their move.
“Distinguished colleagues, very happily, let me announce that your Speaker has decided—and has indeed written to my ward chairman—of my decision to leave the PDP. APC is my new party,” Amaewhule declared on the floor of the House.
Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol is among the 16 lawmakers who joined the ruling party.
All defecting lawmakers are known loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, whose strained relationship with the PDP leadership culminated in his recent expulsion over alleged anti-party activities.
The development is significant, as the same group of lawmakers had announced a similar defection at the height of the political crisis in the state earlier in the year—an action they later reversed. Their latest move, however, formalises the shift and adds to the growing influence of the APC in Rivers State.
The PDP has not yet issued an official reaction to the mass defection, which is expected to further reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
