In a significant political shake-up, four members of the House of Representatives from Rivers State have officially left their former parties to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This development marks a continued realignment of political forces in the oil-rich state.
Lawmakers Cite Internal Crises for Defection
The defectors are Awaji Inombek Abiante (Andoni–Opobo/Nkoro), Boma Goodhead (Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru), and Emerengwa Boniface (Emuoha/Ikwerre), all previously of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The fourth lawmaker is Manuchim Umezuruike (Port Harcourt I), who crossed over from the Labour Party (LP).
The Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, formally announced their defection on December 18, 2025, after reading their letters of resignation on the floor of the chamber. In the letters, the legislators uniformly pointed to prolonged and unresolved internal crises within their former political parties as the primary reason for their departure.
A Domino Effect Following the Governor's Move
This political exodus did not occur in a vacuum. It comes on the heels of a major defection by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the PDP to the APC. Governor Fubara announced his switch at a stakeholders' meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, Fubara stated that full political alignment was necessary to effectively support the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He added that his supporters had collectively resolved to move to the APC. Fubara now joins a growing list of governors who have exited the PDP, including Delta's Sheriff Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom's Umo Eno, Enugu's Peter Mbah, and Bayelsa's Duoye Diri.
Background of Political Tension in Rivers
The defections unfold against a backdrop of recent political turbulence in Rivers State. Recall that on March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
The President cited the need to restore stability following a severe breakdown in governance caused by disputes between the executive and the legislature. He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as an administrator to oversee state affairs during the suspension period.
After his reinstatement six months later, Governor Fubara pledged to prioritise peace, reconciliation, and political stability in Rivers State. The latest defections appear to be a strategic consolidation of power under the APC banner, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of future elections.
