‘Their Move Is Simply a Defection From APC to APC’ – PDP Criticizes Rivers Lawmakers

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A fresh wave of political tension has erupted in Rivers State following the decision of several lawmakers in the State House of Assembly to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Gossip News Now, the opposition party has strongly criticised the lawmakers’ move, accusing them of acting in their own political interest rather than protecting the democratic mandate given to them by voters.

The controversy erupted after a group of legislators formally announced their departure from the PDP during a plenary sitting. The decision was led by the Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, who declared that he and his colleagues were now aligned with the ruling APC.

Amaewhule justified the move by pointing to what he described as persistent internal divisions within the PDP at the national level. In his remarks, he explained that the uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership and structure influenced their decision to move to another platform.

The Speaker also expressed readiness to cooperate with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, suggesting that joining the APC would allow them to contribute more effectively to national development.

However, the PDP quickly rejected that explanation and dismissed the political shift as insincere.

PDP’s Reaction: “Not a Defection, but a Return”

Reacting to the development, PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong criticised the lawmakers in strong terms.

He argued that their action was not a genuine political defection but rather a return to a political alignment they had allegedly maintained all along.

Ememobong suggested that the lawmakers’ decision only confirmed long-standing suspicions about their loyalty, stating that their actions represented political opportunism.

Gossip News Now reports that the PDP believes the move undermines democratic integrity and weakens the credibility of the legislative institution.

Assembly Raises Concerns Over Commissioner Nominees

Amid the political tension, the Rivers State House of Assembly also raised concerns about the delay in the submission of commissioner nominees by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Lawmakers argued that the prolonged absence of the nomination list could affect the functioning of the state executive council.

Following deliberations, the Assembly decided to suspend plenary activities and adjourn its sittings until January 26, 2026.

The decision was announced through a statement issued by the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu.

Assembly Insists on Alternative Sitting Venue

During the session, members reaffirmed their decision to continue meeting at the legislative quarters’ auditorium, a venue they adopted in late 2023.

Deputy Majority Leader Linda Somiari-Stewart moved a motion referencing constitutional provisions that empower legislative houses to determine their own sitting arrangements.

Supporting the motion, Speaker Amaewhule emphasized that the legitimacy of the Assembly lies in its members rather than the physical structure where they convene.

He also appealed to security agencies to maintain protection around the legislative quarters to ensure the smooth conduct of parliamentary duties.

Lawmakers Who Announced the Switch

The legislators who confirmed their move to the APC include several key figures within the Assembly leadership.

Among them are:

Martin Chike Amaewhule – Speaker
Dumle Maol – Deputy Speaker
Major Jack – Majority Leader
Linda Somiari-Stewart – Deputy Majority Leader
Frankline Nwabuchi – Chief Whip
Ofiks Kabang – Deputy Whip

Other members who joined the political shift include:

Peter Abbey, Smart Adoki, Igwe Aforji, Arnold Davids, Enemi George, Tekenari Granville, Christian Nwankwo, Gerald Oforji, Azeru Opara, Lolo Opuende, and Solomon Wami.

According to the lawmakers, the unresolved crisis within the PDP leadership created uncertainty about the party’s direction, prompting their decision to seek a new political alignment.

Commentary and Political Analysis

The development once again highlights the fragile balance of political alliances within Rivers State politics.

Analysts say the situation reflects a broader struggle for influence within the state’s political structure, particularly as national political dynamics continue to shape local alignments.

The mass defection could also influence legislative power dynamics and the relationship between the Assembly and the state executive.

For the PDP, the episode raises concerns about internal unity and party discipline, while the APC may view the development as a strategic gain in a politically significant state.

As political observers continue to monitor the situation, the coming months are likely to determine whether the shift will stabilize the Assembly or deepen the existing political divisions.