Lawmakers cite ‘division in PDP’ as reason for leaving, Assembly session turns dramatic
The political landscape in Rivers State shifted dramatically on Friday after the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Amaewhule crossed over with 16 other lawmakers, a move that instantly handed the APC a commanding bloc of 17 seats in the Assembly.
The defecting lawmakers cited persistent internal crises and entrenched divisions within the PDP as the primary reason for their departure.
Those who joined the Speaker in leaving the PDP include:
Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol (Gokana), Major Jack (Akuku-Toru), Linda Stewart (Okrika), Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt Constituency 3), Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt Constituency 2), Enemi George (Asari-Toru Constituency 2), Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt Constituency 1), Igwe Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru Constituency 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru Constituency 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), Gerald Oforji (Oyigbo), and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).
With 17 seats now under the APC, the remaining 10 PDP lawmakers moved quickly to reorganize their caucus, appointing Sylvanus Nwankwo of Omuma Constituency as the new Minority Leader.
“APC Is My New Party” — Amaewhule
During plenary, Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I, formally declared his exit from the PDP, announcing that he had already communicated his decision to his ward chairman.
“Distinguished colleagues, I am pleased to inform this House that I have notified my ward chairman, Osondo Orlu, of my intention to leave the Peoples Democratic Party,” he said.
“APC is my new party. I look forward to receiving my membership card. I am proud to join the APC so we can support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The President means well for Nigeria, especially on security, and has shown tremendous goodwill to Rivers State.”
House Leader Major Jack used the plenary session to raise concerns about Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s alleged failure to fully constitute the State Executive Council, including the continued absence of an Attorney-General.
Broader Political Context in Rivers
The PDP has dominated Rivers State politics since 1999, but the party has been weakened by a prolonged internal conflict that escalated in 2023 and continued into 2025.
The rift pitted Governor Fubara against lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, resulting in:
- attempted impeachment moves against Fubara,
- the partial demolition of the State Assembly complex, and
- months of political paralysis.
The crisis reached a breaking point earlier in the year, prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on March 18, temporarily suspending the governor, his deputy, and the lawmakers.
Vice Admiral Ibok Ete (retd.) was appointed administrator during the period.
With the emergency rule ending on September 17, Tinubu reinstated Fubara and other suspended officials, but tensions within the PDP persisted.
The national leadership of the PDP has also been embroiled in factional disputes since the 2023 presidential election, deepening the divisions that ultimately triggered Friday’s mass defection.
