The political atmosphere in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Friday as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His defection was followed immediately by 15 other lawmakers, making it one of the most significant political realignments in the state in recent years. The announcement confirmed widely circulating rumours that the internal crisis in the PDP had reached an irreversible stage, pushing major actors out of the party.
Amaewhule explained that the move became necessary due to what he described as clear division and unresolved internal conflicts within the PDP. According to him, the party had become deeply fragmented, making it difficult for him and other lawmakers to perform their legislative responsibilities effectively. He stated that the division within the party was not only visible but also damaging to governance and stability in the state. The Speaker emphasised that he could no longer remain in a political environment where unity and collective purpose had completely broken down.
Their defection comes months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March, following severe political unrest that affected governance at all levels. The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. These actions were part of efforts to manage a tense atmosphere that had escalated into violent confrontations and legislative paralysis. The crisis had been fuelled by disagreements between opposing political factions, and the PDP found itself at the centre of the turmoil, struggling to maintain cohesion.
The defection of Amaewhule and the 15 lawmakers signals a major turning point. For months, political analysts had predicted an eventual mass movement out of the PDP due to the inability of party leaders to resolve longstanding disputes. The deepening crisis had rendered the party vulnerable, weakening its influence both in the state assembly and in the wider political landscape of the state. The exit of the Speaker, who has been a strong political figure in Rivers politics, now leaves the PDP with a significant leadership vacuum.
As news of the defection spread, the APC welcomed the lawmakers warmly, describing their decision as a courageous step toward stabilising the state’s political environment. party officials at both state and national levels noted that the entry of Amaewhule and the 15 lawmakers marked a new era for the APC in Rivers State. They assured the defectors of full integration into the party’s structure and expressed confidence that the APC is now better positioned to influence government policies and legislative processes in the state.
The defection has also significantly changed the power dynamics in the Rivers State House of Assembly. With 16 lawmakers now part of the APC, the party is expected to take a dominant position in legislative decisions. This shift is likely to influence ongoing political tensions involving the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who had been battling for survival amid internal and external political attacks. The PDP, already weakened by internal divisions, now faces a steep challenge in retaining relevance and influence in the state.
Residents of the state have expressed mixed reactions to the developments. Some view the defection as an opportunity for stability, arguing that the PDP’s internal fight had become a stumbling block to governance and development. Others believe the lawmakers’ actions are driven by personal interest and political strategy rather than genuine concern for the state. Civil society organisations monitoring the political crisis have also expressed concerns that the realignments may escalate tensions if not carefully managed.
Political observers believe the defection may have broader implications beyond the Rivers State House of Assembly. Rivers State remains one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic and economically important states due to its oil production and revenue contributions. The entrance of Amaewhule and other lawmakers into the APC is expected to strengthen the party’s grip on the state and possibly influence national political strategies ahead of future elections. There are already discussions about potential shifts in alliances, realignments of power blocs, and how the movement could affect political loyalties within the state.
The PDP, on the other hand, is expected to respond to the defection, though insiders say the party has been struggling to manage its internal issues. The loss of 16 lawmakers in a single day is a major blow that may further deepen the crisis within the party. Many believe this moment may force the PDP to confront its internal leadership conflicts and pursue reforms if it hopes to regain its footing in Rivers State.
The broader Nigerian political space is also watching closely. Rivers State has historically played a major role in shaping national politics, and developments in the state often signal possible shifts in wider political patterns. The defection of such a significant number of lawmakers under the leadership of the Speaker may inspire similar movements in other states where political tension is high or party unity has weakened.
For now, the political future of Rivers State remains uncertain. The state is still managing the aftermath of the emergency declaration, and its political structures are fragile. The defection of Amaewhule and the lawmakers adds another layer of complexity to an already troubled political atmosphere. Stakeholders are calling for calm, urging political leaders to prioritise the interest of the people above personal or party interests. The events of Friday will continue to shape political discussions in the coming weeks, and the full impact of the mass defection may unfold gradually.
More details are expected to emerge as political actors continue to react and as the situation develops. For now, Rivers State enters yet another critical phase in its political journey, with a new balance of power and an uncertain future for the PDP in the state. The defection marks a major chapter in the ongoing crisis and may set the tone for future political decisions in the coming months.
