Rivers Assembly Defection: 16 Lawmakers Join APC
A major political shake-up has hit Rivers State as 16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection was announced during plenary on Friday, where Speaker Amaewhule informed the chamber that he and 15 other lawmakers had resolved to leave the PDP, citing “deep divisions” within the party as their reason for crossing over to the APC.
Fresh Twist in Ongoing Rivers Assembly Defection Crisis
The move adds a new dimension to the long-running leadership crisis that has rocked the Rivers Assembly for nearly two years. The House has been split between two rival factions aligned with different political power blocs in the state, with each group claiming legitimacy.
Amaewhule and his camp had previously been involved in a series of legal battles over the status of their seats, with questions raised about their membership and eligibility following earlier political disputes.
Possible Legal and Political Fallout from Rivers Assembly Defection
The latest development is expected to trigger fresh reactions from the state government, party leaders, and legal analysts, as questions may again arise over whether the lawmakers can retain their seats after defecting — a debate that has repeatedly landed in court in past months.
The defection also shifts the political dynamics of the Assembly, giving the APC a stronger foothold in a state long considered a PDP stronghold.
No Official Response Yet from PDP or APC
Neither the PDP nor the APC has issued an official statement responding to the mass defection, but political observers say the move could further deepen tensions within the state’s political landscape.
More details are expected to emerge as the situation develops.
