Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has openly acknowledged the profound impact of the recent defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on Saturday at the Assembly Quarters, Wike described the move as a significant personal and political blow, particularly noting that the lawmakers, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, made their decision without consulting him. This development intensifies the already volatile political landscape in Rivers State, which has been grappling with an internal leadership crisis.
The mass defection, which saw the 17 lawmakers switch allegiance, occurred on December 5, 2023, according to reports, escalating political tensions within the oil-rich state. This move effectively shifted the legislative majority, giving the APC a dominant presence in the Assembly. The defections emerged against a backdrop of intense political maneuvering and a severe power struggle that has pitted Minister Wike against the incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The protracted feud between Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, and his successor, Governor Fubara, has been the primary catalyst for the widespread political instability. What began as a mentorship relationship has devolved into a bitter power struggle, deeply dividing the state’s political class and governance structures. This internal discord within the PDP has significantly weakened the party’s cohesion and allowed rival factions to exploit the cracks.
Adding another layer of complexity to the crisis, reports also indicate that Governor Siminalayi Fubara himself has reportedly defected from the PDP to the APC. This alleged move, if confirmed, would represent a seismic shift in Rivers State politics, effectively aligning the state’s chief executive with the opposition party nationally. Such a high-profile defection underscores the depth of the political chasm that has opened within the state’s ruling party.
Addressing the remaining ten members of the Assembly who have maintained their loyalty to the PDP, Minister Wike expressed his disappointment over the mass exodus. He underscored the importance of party discipline and consultation, lamenting that the defecting members did not engage him before their move. Wike emphasized the need for vigilance within the PDP, cautioning against allowing “enemies” to destabilize the party by luring away its members.
In a show of solidarity, Wike pledged unwavering support to the loyal PDP lawmakers, assuring them that they would not suffer any adverse consequences for their steadfastness. He reiterated his commitment to protecting their interests, stating, “Those of you still remaining, whenever you choose, I’m here, but what I will not do is to let you suffer in your life.” This promise aims to reassure the remaining members and potentially deter further defections.
The wave of defections raises significant constitutional questions regarding the legality and implications of lawmakers switching parties. Nigerian law typically requires elected officials to forfeit their seats if they defect without a clear division or merger within their original party. While these legal interpretations often lead to prolonged court battles, the political ramifications of such moves are immediate and far-reaching, shaping legislative dynamics and governance.
The political upheaval in Rivers State holds broader implications for Nigeria’s national political landscape. Rivers, a key state with significant oil wealth and a large voting bloc, has historically been a stronghold for the PDP. The erosion of its control, marked by these high-profile defections, signals a potential shift in regional power dynamics and could influence future electoral contests across the country.
As the political crisis unfolds, observers anticipate continued legal and political battles over the legitimacy of the defections and the leadership of the House of Assembly. The power struggle between Wike and Fubara remains central to the state’s political trajectory, with the loyalty of elected officials becoming a critical determinant of influence. The coming months will likely reveal the lasting impact of these events on Rivers State’s governance and its political future.
