A total of 16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing divisions within the party as their reason.
The group includes Speaker Martin Amaewhule, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol (Gokana), and other key lawmakers such as Major Jack (Akuku-Toru), Linda Stewart (Okrika), Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3), Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2), and Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1), among others.
The defections follow a turbulent period in the state, marked by a March state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and several assembly members.
The political crisis also saw the partial demolition of the State Assembly complex and attempts by lawmakers aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to impeach the governor.
Since the return of democracy in 1999, the PDP has dominated Rivers politics, but internal conflicts and clashes with Governor Fubara have now shaken the party’s stronghold.