By Muhammad Mamman
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reacted to the dramatic defection of 16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that has further heightened political tension in the state.
The lawmakers—loyal to former Speaker Martin Amaewhule—announced their defection on Monday, citing divisions within the PDP as the basis for their decision. Their switch to the APC comes amid an ongoing power tussle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and political stakeholders aligned with Wike.
Responding to the development, Wike stated that the defections did not come as a surprise, insisting that the lawmakers had acted within their constitutional rights. He added that political realignments are normal in a democracy, particularly when party members feel dissatisfied with internal processes.
He, however, dismissed claims that the move was orchestrated to destabilise the state government, maintaining that governance must continue regardless of political shifts. “People have the right to associate with any political party they choose,” Wike said. “What matters is stability and respect for the rule of law.”
Analysts suggest that the mass defection could alter the political dynamics in the Rivers Assembly and intensify the already strained relationship between the governor and his predecessor.
The PDP has yet to issue an official statement on the departure of the lawmakers, while the APC has welcomed the development, describing it as a boost to the party’s influence in the state.
