PDP slams Rivers lawmakers who defected to APC, calls them ‘political puppets’
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the latest wave of defections in the Rivers State House of Assembly, branding the lawmakers who crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “political puppets” serving external interests.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party accused the defectors of repeatedly abandoning the PDP at the instruction of a “paymaster,” noting that the same set of lawmakers had earlier announced a similar defection before withdrawing the claim.
“We have once again watched these members re-declare a defection they had earlier proclaimed and later denied,” the statement said.
“Their conduct shows a pattern of obedience to their political demigod. By their actions since taking office, they have proven themselves to be puppets, obstructing democratic progress and diminishing the legislature.”
The PDP added that the lawmakers’ decision amounted to “a defection from APC to APC,” insisting they had long ceased to act as genuine members of the opposition party.
The PDP also signalled its intention to challenge the move in court, arguing that the lawmakers had forfeited the party’s mandate by switching allegiances.
“Accordingly, we will activate constitutional provisions to reclaim the mandate they secured through the PDP, which they have now transferred to another platform in an ignoble manner,” the party said.
It urged its members in Rivers State to remain committed as efforts continue to rebuild the party with “inclusiveness, fairness, and equity” at the centre.
The mass defection occurred on Friday when Speaker Martin Amaewhule and 16 other members announced during plenary that they were leaving the PDP for the APC.
They cited longstanding internal crises within the PDP as their primary motivation.
Those who defected alongside the Speaker include: Dumle Maol (Deputy Speaker, Gokana), Major Jack (Akuku-Toru), Linda Stewart (Okrika), Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3), Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2), Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2), Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1), Igwe Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), Gerald Oforji (Oyigbo), and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).
The defections hand the APC control of 17 seats in the 27-member Assembly, while the remaining ten PDP lawmakers appointed Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma) as Minority Leader.
Amaewhule, representing Obio-Akpor I, defended the move, arguing that deepening divisions within the PDP had made the Assembly’s continued affiliation untenable.
This is the second time the Amaewhule group has publicly announced a defection.
Their first declaration in December 2023 came during a bitter political confrontation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
That move triggered months of litigation, with rival factions declaring the seats vacant and courts issuing conflicting decisions.
The lawmakers later denied under oath that they had formally defected, an effort widely seen as a move to retain their seats.
The PDP, which has dominated Rivers State politics since 1999, has struggled to contain the internal fractures that emerged after the 2023 general elections.
Tensions between Wike’s loyalists and the governor’s camp escalated dramatically in 2024, leading to the partial demolition of the Assembly complex and an aborted impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara.
In March 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending the governor, his deputy, and the entire legislature.
Vice Admiral Ibok Ete (retd.) was appointed to administer the state until the emergency rule was lifted on September 17.
Although all suspended officials were reinstated, the PDP remains sharply divided, and the latest defections underscore the deepening cracks within its structure.
