Sixteen lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, have officially left the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to join the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The political development, announced on Friday, marks one of the most significant shifts in the state’s legislature in recent months and further heightens the ongoing tensions within the Rivers political landscape.
According to the report, the Speaker and 15 other lawmakers concluded their defection after days of speculation surrounding their political future.
Although the legislators have yet to publicly state their reasons, the move comes amid long-standing internal disagreements within the PDP and the widely discussed power tussle involving key political figures in the state.
Their defection to the APC is expected to tilt the balance of legislative influence, potentially affecting future debates, budget considerations, and oversight responsibilities.
Political analysts say the defections could reshape the dynamics of governance in Rivers State, especially as the state continues to navigate lingering political disagreements between factions aligned with different national party leaders.
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The shift also positions the APC to strengthen its influence in a state that has historically been considered a PDP stronghold.
While the full details of the lawmakers’ decision are yet to be released, expectations are high that the APC will issue a formal statement welcoming the defectors.
Observers also anticipate reactions from PDP leadership, which is likely to express concern about losing a significant bloc of lawmakers.
The development has generated widespread attention on social media, with many users debating the implications for Rivers State’s political future.
Some residents have expressed worry that the ongoing political changes could distract from governance, while others believe the realignment may introduce stronger accountability and competition within the legislature.
The coming days may provide clarity on whether additional lawmakers are considering similar moves, how the PDP plans to respond, and what this means for the administrative stability of the state.
The defection of the Speaker and 15 members signals a critical turning point that could influence both the present and upcoming political developments in the state, especially as the nation moves closer to the next electoral cycle.
The Eagle Online
