Abuja, Dec. 5, 2025 — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reacted to the defection of 16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking to journalists after inspecting an interchange bridge project in Abuja, Wike described the lawmakers’ decision as “unfortunate but constitutional”, stressing that they were free to make personal political choices.
“Everybody has the right to make a choice. The party is fully factionalised, so they acted within their rights,” Wike said.
Background
On Friday, 16 lawmakers announced their defection during plenary, citing divisions within the PDP as justification.
Speaker Amaewhule declared his allegiance to the APC, pledging to “join hands with Mr President” to support national development.
The move deepens the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, where tensions between rival factions have escalated in recent months.
Wike’s Position
Wike emphasized that his camp would continue working with lawmakers who remain loyal to the PDP.
He dismissed speculation about his own political alignment, reaffirming that he remains a member of the PDP despite the defections.
He acknowledged the defection as part of Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that political realignments are common when parties face internal divisions.
Implications
Analysts say the mass defection could:
Shift legislative dynamics in Rivers State, strengthening APC’s influence.
Test PDP’s cohesion, as internal rifts widen.
Impact governance, with potential clashes between the executive and legislature.
The development underscores the fragile state of party politics in Nigeria, where factional disputes often trigger realignments with national consequences.
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