The Peoples Democratic Party has strongly condemned the defection of 17 Rivers State lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress, labeling their action as reckless and a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people. According to PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, this move is a clear indication that these lawmakers are enemies of democracy, as they have abandoned the platform that brought them to power.

The defection, which was led by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, was attributed to the perceived division within the PDP at the national level. However, Ememobong argued that this is merely a case of the lawmakers returning to their original party, the APC, and that their action undermines the mandate given to them by the people of Rivers State.

The 17 lawmakers, who include the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other key members of the House, announced their defection during a plenary session on Friday. They cited the division within the PDP as the reason for their decision, claiming that the party’s national headquarters is not functioning effectively due to the internal conflicts.

In response, Ememobong stated that the defection is not surprising, as the lawmakers had previously defected from the PDP to the APC before returning. He described their action as a “defection from APC to APC,” emphasizing that they have merely returned to their original party.

The Rivers State House of Assembly also expressed concern over the delay in submitting the list of commissioners’ nominees for screening, with the Speaker calling it a breach of the constitution. The House has adjourned plenary until January 26, 2026.

In a related development, the House reaffirmed its resolution to adopt the auditorium of the legislative quarters as its official chamber. The decision was made through a motion moved by the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Somiari-Stewart, who cited Section 101 of the Constitution, which empowers the House to regulate its own procedures.

The defection of the 17 lawmakers has significant implications for the political landscape of Rivers State, and it remains to be seen how this development will affect the state’s governance and democracy. The PDP has vowed to take necessary steps to address the situation, while the APC has welcomed the defectors into its fold. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the people of Rivers State will be watching closely to see how their elected representatives will navigate this complex and challenging situation.