In a further weaking of the influence of Rivers State political godfather, Chief Nyesom Wike, six members of the House of Representatives elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from the state have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Their notices of defection were read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during a special session on the 2024 and 2025 Appropriation Bills.
In their letters, the lawmakers cited persistent divisions within the PDP as the reason for their decision, saying the internal crisis had undermined cohesion in the party.
They also praised the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the past two years and pledged to work with the government in rebuilding the nation.
The defectors include Dum Dekor, representing Khana/Gokana federal constituency; Solomon Bob, Ahoada East/Abua/Odual federal constituency; and Victor Obuzor, Ahoada West/Ogba federal constituency.
Others are Blessing Amadi, Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2; Felix Nweke, Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo federal constituency; and Hart Cyril, Degema/Bonny federal constituency.
National leaders of the APC, including Deputy Chairman (North) Ali Bukar, National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, and National Youth Leader Dayo Israel, were admitted into the chambers to witness the defections.
However, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda raised a point of order, insisting that defections on the floor of the House were not backed by law. Deputy Minority Leader Ali Isa argued that the defectors should lose their seats.
Responding, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen acknowledged their observations but maintained that members were free to announce their defections whenever they wished.
“Any member desirous to make his or her defections known to members is welcome at all times,” he said.
The development further strengthens the APC’s presence in the House, while intensifying debates over the legality of defections and their implications for party representation in Nigeria’s legislature.
It will be recalled that Gov. Siminalayi Fubara recently crossed over from the PDP to the APC, leaving behind his political benefactor, Mr. Wike, now the powerful minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), carrying the carcass of the party in the state.
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