Rivers Politics Shifts as Six Pro-Wike Lawmakers Dump PDP for APC at House Plenary
Nigeria’s political landscape witnessed another dramatic twist on Tuesday as six members of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Defection Announced on the Floor of the House
Akahi News gathered that the defections were officially announced during plenary through separate letters addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The lawmakers cited the prolonged and unresolved internal crisis within the PDP at both state and national levels as the primary reason for their decision.
The defecting legislators are:
- Dumnamene Dekor (Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency)
- Solomon Bob (Abua/Odual/Ahoada East Federal Constituency)
- Cyril Hart (Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency)
- Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency)
- Victor Obuzor (Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Federal Constituency)
- Felix Nwaeke (Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai Federal Constituency)
In their communications to the Speaker, the lawmakers reportedly argued that the deepening divisions within the PDP had made it increasingly difficult to function effectively and represent their constituents under the party’s platform.
Internal PDP Crisis Takes Centre Stage
According to reports monitored by Akahi News, the defectors specifically blamed the lingering leadership tussles, unresolved court disputes, and factional struggles rocking the PDP nationwide. They contended that these challenges had weakened internal cohesion and undermined the party’s capacity to provide clear direction to its elected officials.
Political observers note that the Rivers chapter of the PDP has been particularly affected by the prolonged rift between camps loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike and those aligned with the incumbent Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
APC Gains Ground as Rivers PDP Shrinks
The latest defections come only days after four other Rivers State lawmakers in the House of Representatives, reportedly loyal to Governor Fubara, also crossed over to the APC. Akahi News learnt that this wave of defections has significantly altered the balance of party representation from Rivers State at the National Assembly.
With the exit of the six lawmakers, the PDP is now left with only two surviving representatives from Rivers State in the House. They are the House Minority Leader, Mr Kingsley Chinda, and one other member, marking a dramatic reduction in the party’s once-dominant presence from the oil-rich state.
Implications for Rivers and National Politics
Analysts believe the mass movement to the APC underscores the growing influence of the ruling party in Rivers State and highlights the strategic realignments ahead of future electoral contests. Some observers argue that the defections also reflect broader concerns about internal democracy and stability within opposition parties.
Speaking with newsmen, political analysts suggested that unless the PDP urgently resolves its internal crises, it may continue to lose key figures to rival parties, particularly in politically strategic states like Rivers.
A Defining Moment Ahead
As Nigeria’s political actors reposition themselves, Akahi News gathered that attention will now turn to how the PDP leadership responds to the latest setback and whether reconciliation efforts can stem further defections.
For the APC, the development represents a significant boost, consolidating its foothold in Rivers State and strengthening its numbers in the House of Representatives at a time of intense political recalibration.
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