Martin Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition party, on Friday.
He, along with 16 other legislators, joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), signalling a major shift in the state’s political landscape.
The group that moved with Amaewhule included Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol (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) and Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1).
Other defectors were 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).
Following the defections, the APC now holds 17 seats in the House, while the PDP, reduced to 10 members, appointed Sylvanus Nwankwo of Omuma Constituency as Minority Leader.
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The lawmakers cited ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP as the primary reason for their departure.After making his defection public, Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I Constituency, assured that he would complete all formalities to secure his APC membership promptly.
He described the APC as his new political home and expressed satisfaction at joining forces with the party to support President Bola Tinubu, whom he praised for his contributions to national development.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has Nigeria’s best interests at heart. He is addressing security challenges directly and has extended significant support to Rivers State, enabling its people to participate more fully in governance.
“I am thrilled to be part of the APC so that we can actively back the President within the party,” the Speaker added.
