In a major political shake-up, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, along with 15 other lawmakers, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Amaewhule announced the defection during Friday’s plenary, citing divisions within the PDP at the national level as the driving force behind the move. He confirmed that he had notified his ward chairman of his departure and had formally registered with the APC.
“Distinguished colleagues, APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to ensure my APC party card is issued without delay. I am happy to be a member so we can join forces with Mr President, who is doing so much for this country,” Amaewhule said.
The Speaker also praised President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a leader who “means well for Nigeria” and has shown “genuine support for Rivers State.”
According to Amaewhule, the lawmakers’ priority is now to support the President from within the APC, arguing that internal fractures in the PDP made staying in the party untenable.
The defections, long anticipated amid the state’s deepening political divisions, strengthen the bloc aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike, which has been at odds with Governor Siminalayi Fubara since late 2023.
Political analysts say the move gives the APC a significant foothold in the Rivers State House of Assembly, previously dominated by the PDP, and could reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
As of press time, the PDP state leadership had not issued an official response to the defections.
