Esther ImonmionÂ
Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, on Friday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
Amaewhule announced the decision during plenary, citing what he described as a “clear division” within the PDP as the reason for the mass defection.
According to the Speaker, the lawmakers resolved to align with the APC after extensive consultations and in the interest of political stability and effective representation of their constituencies.
The development is expected to significantly alter the political landscape of the Rivers State legislature, where the PDP has hitherto maintained a dominant presence.
As of press time, the state leadership of the PDP had yet to issue an official response to the defection.