Wike Says Defection of Rivers Lawmakers to APC Personally Affected Him

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Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the decision by several members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to change political parties had a personal impact on him.

The development dates back to December 2025 when a significant group of lawmakers left the Peoples Democratic Party to join the All Progressives Congress.

Defection That Shifted the Political Landscape

Seventeen legislators, including the Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule, publicly announced their decision to defect. The move altered the political balance within the state legislature and intensified an already tense political atmosphere in Rivers State.

The defections occurred shortly after the state emerged from a six-month period of political emergency, a development that had already placed the state’s leadership under intense scrutiny.

Governor’s Party Switch Deepens Rift

The situation became even more complex when Siminalayi Fubara also moved from the PDP to the APC.

This shift widened the political divide between the governor and Wike, whose relationship had already been under pressure due to ongoing disagreements over political control and influence in the state.

Wike Expresses Disappointment

Speaking during a meeting with lawmakers at the Assembly quarters, Wike acknowledged that the defection of the 17 legislators affected him emotionally.

He said the development was particularly painful because the decision was taken without prior consultation with him.

According to the former Rivers governor, the sudden nature of the move left only a smaller number of lawmakers still aligned with the original party structure.

Warning About Party Unity

While addressing the issue, Wike also used the moment to highlight the importance of internal cohesion within political parties.

He warned party leaders that failure to maintain unity can create opportunities for political rivals to weaken their ranks.

According to him, political opponents are always watching closely for divisions they can exploit.

Support for Remaining Allies

Despite his disappointment, Wike reassured lawmakers who remained politically aligned with him that they would continue to receive his support.

He emphasized that his loyalty to those who stood with him would not change regardless of the political choices they might make in the future.

He also noted that he would not allow those who remained loyal to suffer politically or personally.

Commentary and Analysis

The Rivers State political crisis has been one of the most closely watched power struggles in Nigerian politics in recent years.

The defections from the state assembly and the governor’s own party switch illustrate how rapidly political alliances can change when internal party tensions escalate.

Wike’s reaction suggests that the issue goes beyond simple party affiliation and touches on deeper questions of political loyalty and leadership influence within the state.

For the APC, the influx of lawmakers and the governor represents a significant gain that strengthens its presence in Rivers State.

For the PDP, however, the defections highlight the challenges political parties face in maintaining unity when internal disputes become public.

As the situation evolves, the balance of power in Rivers State will likely remain a key factor shaping political dynamics ahead of future elections.