By Ayo Ayodele
Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to the All Progressives Congress(APC)
Amaewhule announced the decision during plenary on Friday, attributing their move to what he described as a “clear division” within the PDP.
The political crisis in Rivers State stems from a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Although Wike played a central role in Fubara’s emergence as governor in 2023, relations between the two soured shortly after the election as disagreements over control of the state’s political machinery and governance direction surfaced.
The rift deepened in October 2023 when lawmakers believed to be loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. The development split the State House of Assembly, with rival factions holding parallel sittings. The Assembly complex was later damaged and sealed, further highlighting the escalating crisis.
In December 2023, President Bola Tinubu intervened and brokered a peace agreement aimed at halting impeachment efforts and restoring institutional stability. The deal recognised Martin Amaewhule as Speaker and reinstated lawmakers aligned with Wike. However, implementation was slow and mistrust persisted, leading to continued resignations by commissioners and aides associated with either camp.
The struggle for political control extended into disputes over local government administration and party structure, reflecting the deepening competition for influence in one of Nigeria’s economically significant states.
The latest twist occurred on December 5, 2025, when Speaker Amaewhule and 15 other lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, citing internal divisions within the PDP. Their exit reshaped political alignments in the state and strengthened speculation about broader national implications ahead of future elections.
The Rivers crisis continues to evolve, with both factions battling for dominance and legitimacy in the state’s power structure.