Rivers Assembly Speaker, 15 other lawmakers dump PDP for APC

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Awaewhule, alongside 15 members of the House, have announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers announced their defection to the APC during plenary in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, on Friday, December 5, 2025.

The other lawmakers who defected to the APC are Dumle Maol, Major Jack, Linda Stewart, Franklin Nwabochi, Azeru Opara, Smart Adoki, Enemi George, Solomon Wami, Igwe Aforji, Tekena Wellington, Looloo Opuende, Peter Abbey, Arnold Dennis, Chimezie Nwankwo, and Ofiks Kabang.

Amaewhule told his colleagues that he had already notified his ward chairman of his decision to leave the PDP, declaring the APC as his new political home.

The speaker said: “Distinguished colleagues, I am pleased to announce that I have resigned from the PDP. APC is my new party.

“I will complete all necessary processes to obtain my APC membership card. As of today, I am a member of the APC so we can join forces with Mr. President.”

He commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as significant strides in improving national security and showing support for Rivers State.

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“The president means well for Nigeria and has demonstrated love toward Rivers people,” Amaewhule said, adding that deepening internal divisions within the PDP prompted their exit.

The development comes just days after the 32-member House passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu and urged him to seek re-election.

It would be recalled that Tinubu, on March 18, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, following months of political crisis.

The emergency rule — which included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Assembly — was lifted on September 17, 2025.

The Star