The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the defection of 17 Rivers State lawmakers. They moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP called their actions reckless. It also termed them a betrayal of the democratic process. This happens at a crucial time for the state’s governance.

Ini Ememobong, PDP National Publicity Secretary, spoke to Saturday Punch. He described the defection as a “betrayal.” Ememobong stated it undermined the mandate of Rivers State people. He added that it destabilized the legislature for political gain.

Speaker Martin Amaewhule defended their defection. He stated, “APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to ensure my APC party card is issued swiftly.” Amaewhule expressed happiness to join the APC, adding, “We can join forces with Mr President.”

He further justified the move by citing division within the PDP at the national level. “The national headquarters of the PDP is not functioning,” he noted. Amaewhule argued, “When there is a division in any political party, members can leave without any consequences.” He added that this applies to Assembly members who no longer have hope.

Ememobong, however, dismissed Amaewhule’s justification. He called the development unsurprising. He clarified that this was not a new defection. Instead, he termed it a “re-defection.”

“This is a case of re-defection,” Ememobong stated. He added, “They had previously defected then later denied it.” He predicted the Rivers State House of Assembly members would be remembered. They would go down in history as enemies of democracy. They made a mockery of the legislature, he asserted.

Ememobong concluded, “Their action is a defection from APC to APC.”

Rivers Assembly Raises Concerns Over Commissioner Nominees

Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly also expressed concern. This was regarding Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s delay. The governor had not submitted the list of commissioner nominees for screening. Speaker Amaewhule termed this delay a breach of the constitution.

Following this, the House adjourned plenary to January 26, 2026. A statement came later from Martins Wachukwu, the Speaker’s media aide. It reiterated the House’s decision. They would adopt the auditorium of the legislative quarters as their official chamber.

During its 39th Legislative Sitting, the House reaffirmed an earlier resolution. This resolution was made on December 14, 2023. It confirmed the use of the Assembly quarters auditorium for sittings.

Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Somiari-Stewart, moved the motion. She emphasized Section 101 of the Nigerian Constitution. This section empowers the House to regulate its procedures. It includes choosing the venue for sittings.

Amaewhule supported Somiari-Stewart’s motion. He stated, “What makes an Assembly is the people and not the building.” He also urged security agencies. They should ensure the safety of the Assembly quarters. This would enable the House to perform its constitutional duties.

List of Defecting Rivers Lawmakers

The statement also confirmed the defection. On Friday, 17 members of the House moved to the APC. They were elected under the Peoples’ Democratic Party umbrella. Each defector individually affirmed their reason. They cited division in the PDP at the national level. This division made the party’s future seem uncertain and unclear.

Those who defected to the All Progressives Congress include: