16 Rivers Lawmakers, Speaker Defect From PDP to APC

Rivers State, Nigeria – In a dramatic political shift, 16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, citing internal divisions within their former party.

Amaewhule announced the collective defection during plenary, telling lawmakers and observers that the decision was driven by a “clear division” within the PDP. The move aligns lawmakers loyal to former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, with the APC, marking a significant escalation in Rivers State’s ongoing political turbulence.

Sources familiar with the matter told SaharaReporters that the defections were part of Wike’s strategy to regain political relevance with President Bola Tinubu, amid growing friction between the two leaders. Despite Wike’s attempts to showcase loyalty, insiders said Tinubu’s inner circle remained skeptical, citing controversies surrounding the minister.

“The President’s political gladiators advised him to distance himself from Wike, who is enmeshed in various scandals,” one source said.

During the House’s 37th Legislative Sitting, the resolution to defect followed a motion sponsored by Majority Leader Hon. Major Jack and supported by 25 other lawmakers. In their remarks, the lawmakers praised President Tinubu’s appointments of Rivers indigenes to key federal positions and highlighted federal infrastructure projects in the state, including the East–West Road and Bonny–Bodo Road.

Speaker Amaewhule described Tinubu as a “compassionate” leader whose policies have increased funds available to states and local governments, helping them meet obligations such as salary payments. The Assembly further resolved to support the President’s administration and mobilize constituents behind his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Political analysts note that the defections underscore ongoing factional disputes within the PDP and reflect the strategic maneuvers of Wike, who is facing pressure from both domestic and international stakeholders, including the United States government and religious leaders.

The defections are expected to reshape the political landscape in Rivers State and further influence the dynamics between the APC and PDP at the national level.