Linda Somari Stewart, a prominent member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has made a remarkable U-turn in her political allegiance by returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), just weeks after defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Representing the constituency of Okrika in the State Assembly, Stewart’s decision to rejoin the PDP comes in the wake of her initial defection to the APC alongside several of her colleagues in the House. This unexpected reversal marks a significant development in the ongoing political dynamics within the region.
The series of defections was reportedly orchestrated by 27 state lawmakers aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in a move that captured widespread attention and speculation within the Nigerian political landscape.
Following their high-profile defection, the Speaker of the House took the unprecedented step of declaring their seats vacant, adding a dramatic twist to an already contentious series of events. This bold move by the House leadership has stirred up further debate and controversy around the issue.
These political maneuvers have unfolded against the backdrop of a simmering power struggle between Nyesom Wike, the influential Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Governor Sim Fubara, his successor. The resulting clash of egos and ambitions has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the political climate in Rivers State, making Stewart’s recent decision to return to the PDP all the more intriguing.
Stewart’s high-profile shift in allegiance has undoubtedly added a new layer of complexity to the intricate web of political alliances and rivalries in Rivers State. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes are now fixed on the unfolding political drama, as stakeholders and citizens alike await further developments in this riveting saga.