Why I Abandoned PDP for APC – Amaewhule, Rivers Assembly Speaker

Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, has explained his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress, describing the move as necessary to align with President Bola Tinubu for the benefit of Rivers people.

Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I constituency, addressed lawmakers on Friday, stating that internal cracks within the PDP made it difficult for him to remain in the party. “The major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in the PDP,” he said.

He praised the president for policies he believes are positively impacting the country, particularly Rivers State. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He is tackling issues of security headlong,” the Speaker said. “The President has shown love to Rivers State; he is helping Rivers people to be part of the governance of this country.”

Amaewhule told the Assembly that he had already notified his ward chairman of his decision. “Let me gladly announce to honourable members that I have written to my Ward Chairman, Mr Osondo Orlu, informing him of my decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party,” he said. “APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to ensure the party card is issued to me in no time.”

He added that aligning with the ruling party would allow him contribute more meaningfully to federal efforts. “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,” he said.

Amaewhule’s defection came alongside 15 other lawmakers, including Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, Major Jack, Linda Stewart, Franklin Nwabochi, Azeru Opara, Smart Adoki, Enemi George, Solomon Wami, Igwe Aforji, Tekena Wellington, Looloo Opuende, Peter Abbey, Arnold Dennis, Chimezie Nwankwo and Ofiks Kabang.

The wave of defections follows months of political tension in Rivers State, where a power struggle between the Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara led to the partial demolition of the Assembly complex and attempts to remove the governor. The conflict split the ruling PDP and intensified rivalries between factions loyal to the governor and those aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

President Tinubu intervened earlier in the year by declaring a state of emergency on March 18, which temporarily suspended the governor, his deputy and the lawmakers. They were reinstated on September 17 when the emergency period expired.