The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the defection of 17 Rivers State lawmakers. These lawmakers moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP labelled their actions as reckless. They also called it a betrayal of the democratic process. This move comes at a critical time for governance in the state.

Ini Ememobong, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, spoke to Saturday Punch. He described the defection as an act of “betrayal.” Ememobong stated it undermined the mandate of Rivers State people. It also destabilised the legislature for political gain.

Rivers State Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, confirmed his move. He declared the APC as his new party. “I am happy to be a member of APC,” Amaewhule stated. He hopes to “join forces with Mr President.”

The Speaker also cited divisions within the PDP. “The national headquarters of the PDP is not functioning,” he claimed. Amaewhule argued that a party’s division allows members to leave without consequences. He referenced constitutional provisions for this.

Ememobong, however, dismissed Amaewhule’s reasons. He called the development unsurprising. “This is a re-defection,” Ememobong asserted. He noted they had defected before and then denied it.

The PDP Secretary stated these lawmakers would be remembered as “enemies of democracy.” He added they “made a mockery of the legislature.” Ememobong concluded, “Their action is a defection from APC to APC.”

Separately, the Rivers State House of Assembly voiced concerns. They noted Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s delay. The Governor had not submitted commissioner nominees for screening. Speaker Amaewhule called this delay a constitutional breach.

Assembly’s Venue and Adjournment

The House adjourned its plenary session. It will resume on January 26, 2026. A statement from Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu, followed. It reaffirmed the House’s decision. They will use the legislative quarters auditorium as their official chamber.

This resolution was first made on December 14, 2023. Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Somiari-Stewart, moved the motion. She cited Section 101 of the Nigerian Constitution. This section allows the House to regulate its procedures. It includes the choice of sitting venue.

Speaker Amaewhule supported the motion. He said, “What makes an Assembly is the people and not the building.” He urged security agencies to protect the Assembly quarters. This would enable the House to fulfill its duties.

The Defecting Lawmakers

The statement further confirmed the defection. Seventeen House members, elected under the PDP, joined the APC. They individually stated their reasons. They cited divisions within the PDP at the national level. This, they claimed, made the party’s future unclear.

The defecting members include: