The political dynamics in Rivers State experienced a significant shift on Tuesday as two senators and six members of the House of Representatives formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In the Senate, the lawmakers who switched allegiances are Senator Allwell Onyesoh, representing Rivers East, and Senator Barinada Mpigi, of Rivers South-East. Both are considered close allies of the Federal Capital Territory Minister and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike. The defections were announced during plenary, with the Senate temporarily suspending its rules to allow APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and other party officials into the chamber to witness the move.
The senators cited unresolved internal divisions within the PDP as the key reason for their defection. With their exit, the APC’s strength in the Senate rises to 78 members, further consolidating its majority and influence in the upper chamber.
These defections follow a broader trend in Rivers politics, including the recent alignment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara with the ruling party. While some critics argue that the growing exodus of politicians to the APC threatens Nigeria’s multi-party system, Senate leadership has reassured that democracy remains intact.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized that the influx of lawmakers into the APC does not signal a one-party state. He stated that the ruling party continues to act as a responsible participant in Nigeria’s democratic process and pledged continued collaboration with minority parties. “Our commitment is to ensure that democratic governance delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians, including enhanced food security and better healthcare,” Bamidele said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged the APC to strengthen internal democracy as it absorbs new members, assuring that all entrants would have opportunities to participate fairly and contribute to the party’s growth. He also expressed concern for the opposition, encouraging them to resolve their internal challenges to remain relevant.
Six House of Representatives Members Join APC
Meanwhile, six members of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, all loyal to Wike, officially left the PDP for the APC. They include:
- Dumnamere Robinson Dekor, representing Khana/Gokana federal constituency and former Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
- Solomon Bob, representing Abua/Odual and Ahoada East federal constituency.
- Hart Cyril, Degema/Bonny federal constituency.
- Victor Obuzor, Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema/Ndoni federal constituency and Chair of the Committee on Civil Societies.
- Blessing Amadi, representing Port Harcourt II federal constituency.
- Felix Nweke, representing Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai federal constituency.
The mass defection further strengthens the APC’s presence in both chambers of the National Assembly, signaling a continued realignment of political loyalties in Rivers State ahead of future elections
