BREAKING: Speaker, 15 Rivers Assembly members officially dump PDP, join APC
Sixteen Rivers State House of Assembly members have left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Their speaker, Martin Amaewhule, made the announcement during plenary on Friday. He also confirmed that he had resigned from the PDP.
Amaewhule said he had already written to his ward chairman about his decision and described the move as the right step at this time.
Amaewhule Explains Reasons for Defection
Speaking during plenary, the speaker said: “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.”
He added that he would complete all necessary steps to obtain his APC membership card soon.
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”.
Other Lawmakers Who Defected
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.
Assembly’s Recent Support for Tinubu
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.
