Rivers Assembly Speaker, 16 Lawmakers Defect to APC Amid PDP Turmoil

In a major political shake-up in Rivers State, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, along with 15 other lawmakers, has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amaewhule made the announcement during Friday’s plenary, citing deep divisions within the PDP as the reason for their defection. “Distinguished colleagues, very happily, let me announce that your Speaker has decided, and has indeed written to my ward chairman of my decision, to leave the PDP. APC is my new party,” he stated.

Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol was among the group of 16 lawmakers who joined the APC. All of the defectors are known allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, who was recently expelled from the PDP over alleged anti-party activities.

This development follows earlier reports during the political crisis in the state, when these lawmakers had initially indicated plans to join the APC but later denied the move. Their formal defection marks a significant shift in Rivers State’s political landscape.