PDP Labels Rivers Lawmakers “Enemies of Democracy” Over APC Defection

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticised the defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their departure as an act of betrayal at a sensitive moment in the state’s political climate. The party insisted that the lawmakers were elected on a PDP mandate and had chosen to abandon that responsibility for partisan motives.

PDP Condemns Defection as “Act of Betrayal”

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, stated that the lawmakers had positioned themselves against democratic principles by leaving the platform that gave them electoral legitimacy. He argued that the action represents a disregard for the collective political will of Rivers communities and an attempt to weaken functional state governance.

According to him, the defecting members are “enemies of democracy” who have opted to capitalise on internal issues within the PDP for personal and partisan benefits. Ememobong further claimed that their conduct was aimed at destabilising the legislative institution and distorting due political processes.

Lawmakers Cite Division, Join APC “To Support the President”

During Friday’s plenary, the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, led the defection announcement, declaring that internal conflicts within the PDP justified their decision. He claimed the national structure of the party is divided into factions, making the constitutional ground for defection valid under Nigerian law.

Speaker Amaewhule insisted that joining the APC would enable them to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, suggesting the decision was in line with national interest. He expressed confidence in the APC platform and requested immediate formalisation of APC membership cards.

PDP Alleges “Re-Defection” as Political Motives Unfold

However, the PDP spokesperson dismissed the justification offered by the lawmakers, describing their explanation as a political excuse. He argued that the group had defected in the past and later denied the move, making this development a repeat of earlier political behaviour.

Ememobong maintained that the state would remember those responsible for creating legislative instability. He concluded that the defection amounted to movement from APC back to APC, suggesting that members were only formalising a political alignment that already existed beneath the surface.

During the plenary, the House also expressed concern about the alleged delay of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in forwarding commissioner-nominee lists for legislative screening. The session ended with an adjournment until 26 January 2026.