Rivers Speaker, 16 Other Assembly Members Dumps PDP For APC

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Martin Amaewhule defected on Friday along with 16 other members of the House, citing ongoing crises in the PDP as the reason for their departure.

Among those who left the PDP were Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol (Gokana), Major Jack (Akuku-Toru), Linda Stewart (Okrika), Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3), Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2), Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2), Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1), Igwe Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), Gerald Oforji (Oyigbo), and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).

With these defections, the APC now has 17 members in the House.

The remaining 10 PDP members chose Sylvanus Nwankwo from Omuma constituency as Minority Leader.

Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I constituency, explained that the divisions in the PDP prompted his decision.

The Rivers Speaker said he had formally informed his ward chairman, Osondo Orlu, of his move to the APC.

“Distinguished colleagues, let me happily announce to honourable members that your Speaker, Rt Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule, has decided and has indeed written to my Ward Chairman, Mr Osondo Orlu, of my decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party,” he said.

“APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time. I am happy to be a member of the APC so that we can join forces with Mr President. He is doing so much for this country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He is tackling issues of security headlong. The President has shown love to Rivers State; he is helping Rivers people to be part of the governance of this country. I am so delighted to be part of the APC so we can support the President right inside the All Progressives Congress,” the Speaker added.

During plenary, the House Leader raised concerns about Governor Siminalayi’s alleged delays in fully constituting the state executive council and appointing an attorney general.

The House adjourned its session to Monday, January 26, 2026.

KanyiDaily recalls that Governor, Siminalayi Fubara recently appointed Benibo Anabraba as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG).