In a significant political realignment, two senators and six members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move further consolidates the ruling party's grip on the strategic South-South state.
APC Leadership Hails Defections, Predicts More
The National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, has welcomed the new members and forecasted additional defections to the party. He stated that many politicians who have not yet joined are currently reassessing their political futures.
Basiru made these remarks on 24 December 2025 during the commissioning of the permanent secretaries' quarters in Rivers State. He used the occasion to congratulate Governor Siminalayi Fubara on his own recent entry into the APC.
"Those standing aloof are checking their time. Very soon, party stalwarts and relevant political actors will join the APC," Basiru declared. He assured that the party would create an enabling political environment for all members.
He emphasized that the South-South geopolitical zone has now achieved a unique status as the first to have all its state governors belonging to the APC. Basiru stressed that Rivers State occupies a strategic position in realizing the party's broader objectives and urged its people to offer sustained electoral support.
Senators Cite PDP Crisis for Their Exit
The two senators, Allwell Onyesoh of Rivers East and Barinada Mpigi of Rivers South-East, formally announced their defections on the floor of the Senate. Their switch was witnessed by a high-powered delegation from the APC at both national and state levels.
Both lawmakers attributed their decision to deep-seated, irreconcilable divisions within the PDP. Senator Onyesoh said his move followed extensive consultations with leaders and stakeholders in his constituency.
Senator Mpigi explicitly invoked Section 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution to justify his defection. He argued that the PDP is engulfed in unresolved crises at every level—national, state, local government, and ward—making continued membership untenable.
"In accordance with Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I hereby announce my defection to the APC," Mpigi stated during plenary.
Wave of Defections Strengthens APC Foothold
This senatorial movement is part of a larger wave. It follows the recent defection of Governor Fubara and 15 state lawmakers from the PDP to the APC. The six Rivers State Assembly members who have now joined the APC are:
- Dumnamene Dekor (Khana/Gokana)
- Solomon Bob (Abua/Odual and Ahoada East)
- Hart Cyril (Degema/Bonny)
- Victor Obuzor (Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni)
- Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt II)
- Felix Nweke (Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai)
This collective shift of high-profile political office holders is dramatically strengthening the APC's political foothold in Rivers State. As one of Nigeria's most vital economic and political centres, control of Rivers is a major prize for any party seeking national dominance.
The defectors consistently pointed to the need to align with the federal government to better deliver services to their constituents, signaling a pragmatic approach to governance amidst the ongoing political reconfiguration in the oil-rich state.
