The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fiercely criticized the defection of 17 lawmakers from Rivers State to the All Progressives Congress (APC), branding their actions as reckless and a betrayal of democratic principles at a crucial time for the state.
PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong expressed his discontent in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, stating that the lawmakers have positioned themselves as “enemies of democracy” by abandoning the platform that elected them. He accused them of undermining the mandate of Rivers citizens and deliberately destabilizing the legislature for personal gain.
The group, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, announced their switch to the APC during a plenary session on Friday, citing a division within the PDP as their reason. Amaewhule remarked, “I will do all that is needed to ensure that the APC card is issued to me in no time,” and expressed satisfaction with joining forces with President Muhammadu Buhari.
Amaewhule referred to the internal divisions within the PDP, indicating that legislators could leave if the party was divided. He stated, “There are two factions, and the constitution is clear that when there is a division in any political party… members can leave the party without any consequences.”
Ememobong responded, however, that the lawmakers’ defection is not surprising, characterizing it as a “re-defection” since they had previously switched between parties. He emphasized that these lawmakers would be remembered as betrayers of democratic processes.
During the same plenary, concerns were raised about Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s delay in submitting commissioner nominees for screening, which the Speaker termed a constitutional breach. The House adjourned until January 26, 2026, amid tensions over the ongoing political turmoil.
A resolution reaffirmed the use of the auditorium at the legislative quarters as the official chamber for the assembly. Deputy Majority Leader Linda Somiari-Stewart pushed for a motion supporting this decision, asserting the House’s right to regulate its procedures for effective governance.
