The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the defection of 17 Rivers State lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling the move reckless and a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people. PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong said the lawmakers have become “enemies of democracy” by abandoning the platform that brought them to power.
The defections, led by Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Martin Amaewhule, were attributed to a perceived division within the PDP at the national level. Ememobong countered that the lawmakers are merely returning to their original party, the APC, and that their action undermines the mandate given to them by Rivers State voters.
During a plenary session on Friday, the 17 lawmakers—including the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other key members—announced their switch, citing internal conflicts and an ineffective national headquarters as reasons for leaving the PDP. Ememobong noted that the move was not surprising, pointing out that the legislators had previously defected from the PDP to the APC and were now “defecting from APC to APC,” simply rejoining their former party.
The Rivers State House of Assembly also expressed concern over the delayed submission of the list of commissioners’ nominees for screening, with the Speaker labeling the delay a breach of the constitution. Consequently, the House adjourned plenary until 26 January 2026. In a related development, the House reaffirmed its resolution to adopt the auditorium of the legislative quarters as its official chamber, following a motion by Deputy Majority Leader Linda Somiari‑Stewart that invoked Section 101 of the Constitution, which empowers the House to regulate its own procedures.
The defection of the 17 lawmakers has significant implications for Rivers State’s political landscape. The PDP has vowed to take necessary steps to address the situation, while the APC has welcomed the defectors. As events unfold, the people of Rivers State will be watching closely to see how their elected representatives navigate this complex and challenging scenario.
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