The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the recent defection of some Rivers State House of Assembly members. These lawmakers recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released on Saturday, the PDP described the defecting legislators as “political puppets.” The party stated that they are merely carrying out the instructions of their “paymaster.”

Among the lawmakers who switched parties was the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule.

Ini Ememobong, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, issued the statement. He called the defectors “clogs in the wheels of democratic progress” and “enemies of democracy.”

Ememobong also vowed that the PDP would initiate legal proceedings against the defecting lawmakers. The party aims to reclaim its mandate from them.

“News of the re-defection of some Rivers State House of Assembly members has circulated across various media platforms,” the statement read. “They announced their defection from our party for a second time.”

“We recall they had done this before and later recanted. The world knows these individuals are simply doing the bidding of their paymaster and demigod.”

“Since assuming office, these members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have proven to be political puppets. They have become obstacles to democratic progress. History will remember them as enemies of democracy. They have also made a mockery of the legislature.”

“Therefore, the simplest way to describe their action is a defection from APC to APC.”

“Consequently, the PDP will take legal steps. This is to activate the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). We will recover the mandate gained under our party’s banner. These individuals have now ignobly and surreptitiously switched to another platform.”

The party further urged its members in Rivers State to remain steadfast and committed. It assured them that efforts are ongoing to rebuild the party. This rebuilding will focus on inclusiveness, fairness, and equity.