The Rivers State House of Assembly witnessed a major shift as 16 of its members, including the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made during a plenary session on Friday, December 5, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape.
Speaker Amaewhule, addressing the assembly, confirmed his own defection, stating that he had formally notified his ward chairman of his decision to leave the PDP. “It is with great pleasure that I announce my transition to the APC,”. “I am committed to completing all necessary processes to secure my APC membership promptly. As of today, I stand as a member of the APC, united with my colleagues in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Amaewhule cited President Tinubu’s leadership and governance efforts as a primary motivation for the move. He praised the president’s dedication to addressing national security challenges and emphasized Tinubu’s demonstrated commitment to Rivers State has extended genuine support to the people of Rivers, ensuring our inclusion in the broader governance framework of Nigeria,” he added.
The speaker also pointed to internal divisions within the PDP as a key factor behind the defection. “The fragmentation within our former party left us with no alternative but to seek a more united and purposeful political home,” he explained.
The list of lawmakers joining the APC includes prominent figures such as Dumle Maol, Major Jack, Linda Stewart, Franklin Nwabochi, Azeru Opara, Smart Adoki, Enemi George, Solomon Wami, Igwe Aforji, Tekena Wellington, Looloo Opuende, Peter Abbey, Arnold Dennis, Chimezie Nwankwo, and Ofiks Kabang.
This political shift follows a recent vote of confidence in President Tinubu passed by the 32-member assembly earlier this week. The resolution, moved by House Leader Major Jack, urged the president to seek re-election, highlighting the assembly’s alignment with Tinubu’s administration.
The defection also comes against the backdrop of the political turbulence that gripped Rivers State earlier this year. On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers due to prolonged political instability, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all assembly members for an initial six-month period. The emergency rule was lifted on September 17, 2025, after measures were taken to restore order.
Political analysts suggest that this mass defection could reshape the balance of power in Rivers State and strengthen the APC’s influence in the region. The move is expected to have far-reaching implications for upcoming elections and governance dynamics in the state.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders are closely watching how this realignment will impact both state and national politics.
