06/12/2025
The Rivers State House of Assembly witnessed a major realignment today, Friday, as Speaker Martin Amaewhule and sixteen other lawmakers formally left the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress.
Their move was disclosed on the floor of the House, with the Speaker attributing the defection to internal divisions within the PDP. Others who dumped the PDP were the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol of Gokana; Major Jack of Akuku-Toru; Linda Stewart of Okrika; Franklin Nwabochi of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni; Azeru Opara of Port Harcourt Constituency 3; Smart Adoki of Port Harcourt Constituency 2; Enemi George of Asari-Toru Constituency 2; and Solomon Wami of Port Harcourt Constituency 1. Also included were Igwe Aforji of Eleme; Tekena Wellington of Asari-Toru Constituency 1; Looloo Opuende of Akuku-Toru Constituency 2; Peter Abbey of Degema; Arnold Dennis of Ogu/Bolo; Chimezie Nwankwo of Etche; and Ofiks Kabang of Andoni.
The APC in Rivers State, led by Tony Okocha, says the defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the party was properly carried out with the full knowledge of the APC leadership at all levels. Okocha, who witnessed the announcement in the chamber, said the lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, left the PDP because of internal crises and will receive full rights as APC members.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike also attributed the defections to the PDP’s internal crisis. Speaking to journalists, he described the development as unfortunate but said his camp will continue working with lawmakers who remain loyal to the party.
