Six members of the House of Representatives elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from Rivers State have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, dealing a significant blow to the opposition party in the oil-rich state.
The lawmakers who announced their defection are Dumnamene Dekor, representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency; Solomon Bob, representing Abua/Odual and Ahoada East Federal Constituency; Hart Cyril of Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency; Victor Obuzor, representing Ahoada West/Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni Federal Constituency; Blessing Amadi of Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency; and Felix Nweke, who represents Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai Federal Constituency.
Their defection was formally communicated to the House in letters addressed to the Speaker and read during plenary.
In the letters, the lawmakers cited internal crises and deep divisions within the PDP in Rivers State as their primary reasons for leaving the party.
They argued that the persistent factional disputes have made it difficult for them to effectively pursue their legislative duties and represent the interests of their constituents.
The defectors expressed confidence that joining the APC would provide a more stable political platform and enable them to align with the federal government in attracting development projects and interventions to their constituencies.
They also pledged their support for the leadership and legislative agenda of the APC-controlled House.
The development has further altered the balance of power in the House of Representatives, strengthening the numerical advantage of the APC while compounding the challenges facing the PDP at the national level.
It also comes amid ongoing political realignments in Rivers State, where internal party disputes and shifting alliances have continued to shape the political landscape.
Reacting to the defections, APC lawmakers welcomed the new members, describing their decision as a vote of confidence in the ruling party’s leadership and governance direction.
Meanwhile, the PDP is yet to issue an official response to the latest wave of defections.
More details are expected to emerge as the political implications of the move continue to unfold.
