No fewer than six members of the House of Representatives from Rivers State have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
The defectors, Robinson Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Hart, Victor Obuzor, Blessing Amadi and Felix Nwaeke, formally announced their exit from the PDP on Tuesday, leaving the party with only the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, and Kelechi Nwogu as its remaining representatives from the state
The lawmakers announced their decision during plenary at the National Assembly, where their letters of defection were read, citing irreconcilable differences, internal crises, and leadership disputes within the PDP as reasons for their move.
The defection is widely seen as part of a broader political realignment in Rivers State, which has witnessed intense intra-party tensions in recent months. The lawmakers said their decision was taken after extensive consultations with their constituents and political associates, stressing that the move was aimed at better positioning their districts to attract federal presence and development.
Reacting to the development, the APC leadership at the national level welcomed the defectors, describing their decision as a vote of confidence in the ruling party’s policies and direction. Party officials said the APC remains committed to accommodating new members and strengthening its structures ahead of future elections.
Meanwhile, the PDP has condemned the defections, insisting that the affected seats would be contested in court. The party accused the lawmakers of betraying the mandate given to them by voters and maintained that the PDP remains strong in Rivers State despite the setback. Political observers say the defections could significantly alter the balance of power in the state and further heighten political tensions in the months ahead.
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