A significant political tremor has rippled through Rivers State following the defection of 17 members of its House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This high-profile shift has intensified an already fraught political climate, drawing a sharp reaction from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who expressed profound disappointment at not being consulted by the lawmakers he once championed. The move underscores deep-seated divisions within the state’s political establishment, raising questions about party loyalty and the future of governance.
Speaking on Saturday at the Assembly Quarters, Mr. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent figure in the PDP, openly conveyed his dismay. He stated that the defection of the 17 lawmakers, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, “affected him” personally, lamenting their decision to cross party lines without his prior knowledge or consent. Wike, historically a kingmaker in Rivers politics, highlighted the perceived breach of trust, hinting at the intricate web of political patronage and allegiance that defines the state’s power dynamics.
The mass defection, which officially occurred on December 5, 2025, saw a substantial portion of the legislative arm abandon the PDP, their traditional party platform. This move immediately ratcheted up political tension in a state that had only recently emerged from a six-month period of emergency rule, a historical context that emphasizes its susceptibility to political volatility. The numerical shift within the Assembly fundamentally alters the legislative balance, potentially paving the way for new political alignments and policy directions.
Further exacerbating the crisis for the PDP, Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara also reportedly defected to the APC shortly after the lawmakers’ switch. This dual blow signifies a dramatic realignment of political power within the state, effectively crippling the PDP’s once-unassailable dominance. Governor Fubara’s departure, coming amid an escalating leadership crisis within the former ruling party, suggests a calculated move to consolidate power or perhaps seek new political refuge in a changing landscape.
The underlying narrative of this political upheaval traces back to a perceived rift between Mr. Wike and Governor Fubara, who was widely considered Wike’s protégé. This once-close political alliance appears to have fractured, leading to a fierce contest for control over the state’s political machinery. Wike’s public pronouncements reflect a sense of betrayal, indicative of the high stakes involved in maintaining political influence and loyalty within Nigeria’s often turbulent party system.
Political defections, or “cross-carpeting,” are a recurring feature of Nigerian democracy, often sparking debates about their legality and ethical implications. While the constitution permits lawmakers to switch parties under specific circumstances, such as a division within their original party, the rapid succession of defections in Rivers State raises questions about the genuine motivations behind such moves and their impact on democratic stability and voter mandates. Critics often argue that such shifts undermine electoral integrity.
For the Peoples Democratic Party, these defections represent a significant setback, particularly in a state that has historically been a strong bastion of its support. The loss of a sitting governor and a substantial number of state legislators weakens the party’s structure and influence, both locally and nationally. This development could force the PDP’s national leadership to re-evaluate its internal strategies and address the underlying causes of its diminishing hold in key regions.
Conversely, the All Progressives Congress stands to gain considerably from this influx of new members. The acquisition of a sitting governor and 17 state lawmakers strengthens the APC’s footprint in the South-South geopolitical zone, a region where its presence has traditionally been less dominant. This strategic expansion could bolster the party’s national standing and provide a significant boost ahead of future electoral contests, reshaping the regional political map.
Despite the defections, Mr. Wike affirmed his commitment to supporting the remaining members of the PDP in the Rivers State House of Assembly. He vowed to ensure that those who have not defected “would never suffer again,” signaling his intent to protect his loyalists and maintain a faction of influence within the state’s legislative arm. This pledge underscores his determination to remain a formidable force in Rivers politics, even as his former allies migrate to opposing camps.
The evolving political landscape in Rivers State sets the stage for continued intrigue and potential power struggles. With the state’s executive and legislative arms now largely controlled by the APC, the dynamics of governance are poised for a significant shift. The long-term implications for policy-making, resource allocation, and political stability in this economically vital state remain a subject of intense observation and analysis, as stakeholders navigate this new political reality.
