Rivers State’s political scene witnessed another dramatic turn on Monday when 27 State House of Assembly members defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This cross-carpeting escalates the ongoing political crisis in the 32-member Assembly, stemming from a rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Read also: 27 Rivers lawmakers loyal to Wike, defect from PDP to APC
The defectors, led by Martin Amaewhule, announced their decision following a Monday morning session.
Amaewhule and another member, Edison Ehie, have been embroiled in a speakership tussle for weeks. Amaewhule is believed to be loyal to Wike, while Ehie aligned with Fubara. This rivalry has fueled tensions within the Assembly.
In October, the Amaewhule-led Assembly served an impeachment notice on Fubara and removed Ehie as House leader. However, members loyal to Fubara swiftly retaliated, impeaching Amaewhule and installing Ehie as the new Speaker.
The mass defection marks a significant escalation in this political power struggle, raising questions about the stability of the Fubara administration and the future of the PDP in Rivers State.
