Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). During the plenary session, Amaewhule cited a “clear division” within the PDP as the main reason for this mass exodus.
This significant shift alters the political landscape in Rivers State and the balance of power within the House of Assembly. Legal analysts suggest that such defections could impact governance, legislative decision-making, and compliance with the Electoral Act, which regulates party membership and the conduct of public officials in Nigeria.
Observers have noted that these mass defections prompt concerns about the legal protections for minority parties, the stability of political mandates, and the possibility of judicial review regarding the legitimacy of legislative actions following party switches.
