16 Rivers Assembly members defect to APC

Martin Amaewhule Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and Tony Okocha, Chairman of the state chapter of the APC

Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Martin Amaewule, Speaker of the Assembly, announced this during sitting on December 5, 2025, citing support for President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to combat insecurity in Nigeria.

The development has sparked reactions across, with many stressing that “this is the second time they are defecting to the APC.”

Assembly members that are now APC members, include, Asuah Mensah Jack – Akuku-Toru 1; Opuende Lolo Isaiah – Akuku-Toru 2; Ofiks Kabangs Christopher – Andoni; Tekena Wellington Granville – Asari-Toru 1; Enemi Alabo George – Asari-Toru 2; Abbey Peter – Degema – Igwe Obey Aforji – Eleme; Chimezie Nwankwo – Etche 2; Dumle Maol – Gokana; Amaewhule Martin Chike – Obio/Akpor 1; Frankline U. Nwabochi – Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni 1; Davids Anold Okobiriari – Ogu/Bolo; Somiari Stewart Linda – Okrika; Gerald Oforji – Oyigbo; Solomon Wami – Port Harcourt 1; Tonye Smart Adoki – Port Harcourt 2 and Azeru Opara – Port Harcourt 3.

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While PDP members of the Assembly include, Mrs. Emilia Lucky-Amadi – Obio/Akpor; Justina Emeji – Emohua; Ignatius Onwuka – Etche 1; Mrs. Barile Nwakor – Khana 1; Mrs Ezekwe Nkemjika – Ogba-Egbema Ndoni II; Queen Owuma Tony-Williams – Ahoada East 1; Lemchi Nyeche – Ikwerre Constituency; Sylvanus Nwankwo – Omuma; Iderima John Dominic – Abua /Odual and Mgbar Bernard – Tai.

Principal officers of the PDP that took oath of office include, Silvanus Nwankwo -Minority Leader, Mrs. Barile – Deputy Minority Leader, Iderima John Dominic – Minority Chief Whip and Justina Emeji – Deputy Minority Whip.

The Assembly have been adjourned to January 26, 2026.

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