Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Their speaker, Martin Amaewhule, announced the development during Friday’s plenary, also confirming that he had resigned from the PDP.
Amaewhule said he had already notified his ward chairman of his decision, describing the move as the right choice at this moment.
During plenary, he stated: “Distinguished colleagues, I am pleased to announce that your speaker has decided—and has indeed written to my ward chairman—about my decision to leave the PDP. The APC is my new party.”
He added that he would soon complete all required processes to obtain his APC membership card.
Amaewhule praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying the President “means well for Nigeria” and is confronting insecurity directly. He also said the President had shown “love to Rivers State” by involving its people in national governance.
According to him, the “major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in PDP”.
The lawmakers who joined the APC are: 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.
On Wednesday, the 32-member Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu and urged him to run for a second term.
The motion was moved by Major Jack, the House Leader.
The political tension in the state has been ongoing since March 18 when President Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers over prolonged instability.
The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Assembly for six months. The emergency rule was eventually lifted on September 17, 2025.
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