The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the recent defection of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their actions as those of “political puppets” undermining democratic advancement.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, the PDP noted that this was not the first time the lawmakers had switched allegiance, alleging that they acted under the instructions of a political sponsor.
“We have seen on various media platforms news of the redefection of some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who, for a second time, announced their defection from our party. We recall that they had done so earlier and later recanted. These are people whom the world is aware are doing the bidding of their paymaster and demigod.
“The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions since they assumed office, shown that they are political puppets and a clog in the wheels of democratic progress. They will go down in history as enemies of democracy and those who made a mockery of the legislature. So the easiest way to describe their action is a defection from APC to APC,” the statement read.
The party further stated that it would take legal steps to reclaim the mandates secured on the PDP platform.
“Consequently, the PDP will take legal steps to activate the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) to recover the mandate gained under the banner of our party, which these people have now ignobly and surreptitiously switched to another platform.
“We urge all party members in Rivers State to remain faithful and resolute, as efforts are underway to rebuild the party along the path of inclusiveness, fairness, and equity,” the statement added.
Defection Details
The mass defection was announced on Friday when Speaker Martin Amaewhule led 16 other members to join the APC. They blamed their move on the deepening internal crisis within the PDP.
Those who defected include Deputy Speaker 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, Gerald Oforji, and Ofiks Kabang.
With this shift, the APC now holds 17 seats in the Rivers Assembly. The remaining ten PDP lawmakers appointed Sylvanus Nwankwo as Minority Leader.
Amaewhule, representing Obio-Akpor I, justified his decision by pointing to divisions within the PDP. This same group had previously declared a defection in December 2023 during the political standoff between Governor Fubara and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The earlier move sparked a series of legal disputes, including rulings on the status of their seats. The lawmakers later denied in court that they had defected to avoid losing their positions.
Background of the Crisis
The PDP, dominant in Rivers State since 1999, has been embroiled in a prolonged internal conflict. Tensions escalated in recent years, resulting in attempts to impeach Governor Fubara, the partial demolition of the Assembly complex, and parallel factions within the legislature.
President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18, which led to the temporary suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the lawmakers. Vice Admiral Ibok Ete (retd.) was appointed as administrator until the emergency expired on September 17, after which all suspended officials were reinstated.
The crisis intensified after the 2023 presidential election and has since deepened with the emergence of rival factions within the PDP at the national level.