Seventeen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), blaming internal turmoil within the PDP for their decision.
The lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, announced their defection during Friday’s plenary session. Ten members of the House remain in the PDP, excluding three pro-Governor Siminalayi Fubara lawmakers who have not attended sittings since the last political truce in the state. Their current political alignment remains unclear.
Factional APC Chairman in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, was present in the chamber to formally welcome the defecting legislators.
This development marks yet another round of defections in the Assembly. In December 2023, 27 lawmakers publicly declared their move to the APC amid heightened political tension, but later denied doing so, claiming the televised footage was AI-generated. A legal battle followed, reaching the Supreme Court after then Speaker Edison Ehie declared their seats vacant. The court ruled in favour of the lawmakers, stating there was no valid evidence of defection.
Lawmakers Who Defected
Martin Amaewhule (Speaker, Obio-Akpor I)
Dumle Maol (Deputy Speaker, Gokana)
Major Jack (Akuku-Toru)
Linda Stewart (Okrika)
Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni)
Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt III)
Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt II)
Enemi George (Asari-Toru II)
Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt I)
Igwe Aforji (Eleme)
Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru I)
Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru II)
Peter Abbey (Degema)
Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo)
Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche)
Ofiks Kabang (Andoni)
Gerald Oforji (Oyigbo)
Meanwhile, the remaining PDP lawmakers have appointed Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma Constituency) as Minority Leader.
Speaking during his declaration, Amaewhule said he has already notified his ward chairman of his decision to leave the PDP. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, saying his achievements motivated the move.
“APC is my new party,” he declared.
“We want to support Mr President from within the APC because he is tackling security challenges and has shown great love to Rivers State.”
The defections further deepen the political shifts in Rivers State as parties realign ahead of future elections.
