The political landscape in Rivers State has been significantly impacted by the defection of sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This development, which was announced during a plenary session on Friday, has drawn a reaction from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

Addressing journalists in Abuja after inspecting an ongoing interchange bridge connecting Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa, Minister Wike described the defection as “unfortunate.” He stated that he was not aware of the lawmakers’ decision to switch parties but acknowledged their constitutional right to do so, citing the factionalization within the PDP as the underlying reason.

Speaker Martins Amaewhule was among the 16 lawmakers who publicly declared their defection, stating their intention to “join hands with Mr. President” as they believe he “means well for the country.” The defectors explicitly attributed their move to the divisions prevalent within the PDP, echoing Wike's sentiment regarding the party's internal crisis.

Wike noted that out of the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, approximately 16 or 17 have defected, leaving a