Four members of the House of Representatives from Rivers State have officially switched their allegiance, defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This significant political maneuver follows closely on the heels of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s own move to the ruling party, signaling a profound reshaping of the state’s political dynamics.

The lawmakers who have now joined the APC are Manuchim Umezuruike, representing Port Harcourt I Federal Constituency; Boniface Emerengwa, who serves Ikwerre/Emuoha Federal Constituency; Awake-Inombek Abiante for Andoni/Opobo Federal Constituency; and Boma Goodhead, the representative for Asari-Toru Federal Constituency. Their defection represents a substantial shift in party representation within the federal legislature.

Political observers interpret these defections as a clear indication of a burgeoning realignment among key political figures in Rivers State. This trend is seen as a direct consequence of the recent, dramatic changes that have occurred at the state government level, suggesting that further political shifts may be on the horizon.

The political climate in Rivers State has been marked by considerable tension, particularly since March 18. On that date, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing prolonged instability as the reason for the intervention. This declaration led to the temporary suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State Assembly.

While the emergency rule initially imposed a six-month suspension on the state government, it was eventually lifted. The lifting of this federal intervention occurred on September 17, 2025, but the underlying political fissures and realignments continued to manifest in subsequent events.

The current wave of defections underscores the fluidity of political alliances in Rivers State. It suggests a strategic repositioning of political actors in response to evolving power structures and potential future electoral landscapes, with the APC appearing to gain significant ground.

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Keywords: Rivers State, PDP, APC, House of Representatives, political defection, Siminalayi Fubara, political realignment, Rivers politics