In a major political realignment Friday, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside 15 other members of the Assembly.
So far, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is yet to react to the move.
During the plenary session on Friday, Amaewhule declared: “APC is my new party,” informing colleagues that he had formally notified his ward chairman of his resignation from the PDP and had already registered with APC.
He cited an irreversible “division” within the PDP — both at the national and state levels — as the fundamental reason for their exit, arguing that staying would no longer allow them to effectively represent their constituents.
Amaewhule also voiced support for the President, stating the defectors would back him “from within APC” — praising the President’s “genuine support for Rivers State.”
Among those who joined APC with Amaewhule are:
• Dumle Maol (Deputy Speaker, Gokana)
• Major Jack (Akuku-Toru)
• Linda Stewart (Okrika)
• Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni)
• Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3)
• Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2)
• Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2)
• Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1)
• Igwe Aforji (Eleme)
• Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1)
• Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2)
• Peter Abbey (Degema)
• Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo)
• Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche)
• Ofiks Kabang (Andoni)
The mass defection signals a major shift in the balance of power within the Rivers State Assembly, which had long been dominated by PDP. Observers say the move hands APC a strong foothold in the legislature.
The defection comes amid a protracted crisis within the Rivers PDP — notably between factions loyal to former governor and now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and those aligned with current state government leadership under Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In recent months, Rivers State had undergone significant political turbulence: in March 2025 a state of emergency was declared by the federal government, suspending the governor, his deputy, and the state Assembly; the suspension was lifted in September.
With this latest move, APC’s strengthened numbers in the Assembly could influence legislative alignment ahead of future elections, including shaping support for national-level leadership.
As of this evening, the PDP’s state leadership has not issued an official statement responding to the defections.
