Matilda Omonaiye/
Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers announced the decision on Friday during plenary, marking a fresh escalation of the prolonged political crisis that has engulfed the state legislature.
Amaewhule, who read the notice of defection on behalf of the group, cited irreconcilable divisions within the PDP as the basis for their decision.
The lawmakers immediately declared their allegiance to the APC, Nigeria’s ruling party at the federal level.
The latest development revives tensions that first erupted in late 2023, when a majority of lawmakers loyal to former Rivers governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, broke ranks with the PDP at the height of a power struggle with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
That defection led to parallel sittings of the House, court battles over the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led faction, and disputes over the constitutional implications of lawmakers changing parties.
Under Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, a legislator who defects from the party on whose platform he was elected risks losing his seat, except where there is a clearly established division within that party.
The Rivers Assembly crisis has repeatedly tested this provision, with conflicting court rulings at various levels over the validity of earlier defections and the status of the affected seats.
The defection of the 16 lawmakers is expected to further strain relations between the legislature and the executive arm of government in Rivers State.
It also significantly alters the political balance in the state, long regarded as a PDP stronghold, and strengthens the influence of the APC ahead of future electoral contests.
As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Government and the leadership of the PDP had yet to issue an official response to the development.
Further political and legal reactions are anticipated in the coming days.
0Related posts:
How APC Snatched Victory from the Jaws of Defeat in Osun
Nigeria’s In-coming Senators’ List: 15 Ex-Govs on Board
PDP and The Enemy Within
2019: New PDP May Pull Out of APC over Marginalisation
Governor Ahmed of Kwara Leaves APC with Senate President Saraki
INEC Declares Makinde Winner of Oyo Gov Election