Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has yet to comment on the recent defection of 17 lawmakers from the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Meanwhile, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, dismissed rumours of his defection despite recent claims by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the PDP that he had been expelled. Wike reaffirmed that he remains a member of the main opposition party and has no plans to follow the lawmakers in joining the APC.
Attempts by THISDAY to obtain a statement from Governor Fubara regarding his political alignment were unsuccessful, as neither the Governor nor his aides responded to enquiries.
The defection has raised concerns about a possible renewed political crisis in the state, highlighting the persistent tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government.
The lawmakers, however, cited national-level divisions within the PDP as the reason for their move, describing the party’s future as uncertain. The group, who had previously reconciled with Fubara after a long-standing rift, publicly pledged their loyalty to President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.
The APC State Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, was present at the Assembly chamber to oversee the defection process.
Lawmakers who joined the APC included Speaker Martins Amaewhule; Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol; Majority Leader Major Jack; Deputy Majority Leader Linda Somiari-Stewart; Chief Whip Frankline Nwabuchi; Deputy Whip Ofiks Kabang; and members Peter Abbey, Smart Adoki, Igwe Aforji, Arnold Davids, Enemi George, Tekenari Granville, Christian Nwankwo, Gerald Oforji, Azeru Opara, Lolo Opuende, and Solomon Wami.
Following the defection, Amaewhule praised President Tinubu for his leadership and pledged full support to the APC.
The PDP, now the minority party in the House, also inaugurated new officers: Minority Leader Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Barile Nwakoh, Minority Whip Hon. John Dominic Iderima, and Deputy Minority Whip Hon. Justina Emeji.
Speaking on the defection, Amaewhule explained, “All 16 legislative members, including the Speaker, have agreed to leave the PDP for the APC. The division at the national level of the PDP has left members without hope, making our defection constitutional and necessary.”
Somiari-Stewart, representing Okrika Constituency, echoed the Speaker’s statement, affirming that the PDP’s internal rift was the primary reason for their move.
Meanwhile, Majority Leader Jack drew attention to Governor Fubara’s delay in forwarding his list of commissioner nominees for House approval, noting that the state still lacks a complete cabinet. Jack criticized the Governor for operating with only eight commissioners, excluding the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, calling it a breach of the constitution.
The Assembly subsequently adjourned its sitting to January 25, 2026.
Wike Rules Out Defection, Reaffirms PDP Membership
Addressing the media during an inspection of the Arterial Road N16 in Abuja, Wike described the lawmakers’ defection as unfortunate but reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP. He emphasized that those who remained loyal to the party would continue working together, urging the PDP to reorganize internally.
Wike explained, “Those who have left are free, but those remaining in the party, we will continue to work together. The party is fully factionalized, and members have the constitutional right to leave if they wish.”
The minister also dismissed rumours of his arrest in France, calling them politically motivated distractions meant to undermine his work. He emphasized the importance of staying focused despite such false reports.
Reaction from Legal Community
Chizy Enyi, a Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner and President of the Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership, criticized the prolonged adjournment by the Assembly, suggesting that it undermines development. Enyi claimed the legislators’ delay may be linked to the planned inauguration of the newly built Assembly Chamber and the presentation of the 2026 budget by Governor Fubara. He also accused the Speaker and lawmakers of prioritizing political interests over developmental progress in the state.
