16 Rivers assembly members, speaker leave PDP for APC

Sixteen members of the Rivers state house of assembly have announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Martin Awaewhule, speaker of the assembly, announced the defection during plenary on Friday.

Amaewhule also disclosed that he would be joining his colleagues out of the PDP.

“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,” Amaewhule said.

“I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the APC is issued to me in no time. But as we speak today, I am a member of the APC so that we can join forces with Mr. President.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing so much for this country. He means well for Nigeria. He is tackling the issue of security headlong. The president has shown love to Rivers state.

“The president is helping Rivers people to be part of the governance of this country.”

Amaewhule added that the “major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in PDP”.

The other legislators pitching tent with 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 while imploring the Nigerian leader to seek re-election.

The resolution was reached following a motion moved by Major Jack, the house leader.

On March 18, Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers over a prolonged political crisis and instability in the state.

He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for an initial period of six months.

The emergency rule was lifted on September 17, 2025.