Sixteen members of the Rivers state assembly have declared their intention to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Martin Awaewhule, speaker of the assembly, announced the defection during plenary on Friday.

Amaewhule also revealed that he will be leaving the PDP to join his comrades.

“Distinguished colleagues, very happily, let me announce that your speaker has decided and has indeed written to my ward chairman of my decision to leave the PDP. APC is my new party,” Amaewhule said.

“I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the APC is issued to me in no time. But as we speak today, I am a member of the APC so that we can join forces with Mr. President.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing so much for this country. He means well for Nigeria. He is tackling the issue of security headlong. The president has shown love to Rivers state.

“The president is helping Rivers people to be part of the governance of this country.”

Amaewhule went on to say that the “major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in the PDP”.

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 are the other lawmakers who have joined the APC.

On Wednesday, the Rivers legislature approved a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu, urging him to seek re-election.

Major Jack, the house leader, introduced the motion that resulted in the resolution.

Tinubu declared an emergency in Rivers on March 18 in response to the state’s long-running political turmoil and instability.

He also suspended the state’s governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all Rivers Assembly members for six months.

The emergency rule was lifted on September 17, 2025.