Defection of Rivers Assembly Members Affected Me

Defection of Rivers Assembly Members Affected Me – Wike
Lawmakers moved without consulting him amid deepening political crisis
Wike vows support and protection for remaining Assembly members

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress affected him personally.

The lawmakers, including the Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, defected to the APC on December 5, 2025, a development that further escalated political tensions in the state.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that their defection occurred shortly after Rivers State emerged from a six month state of emergency imposed amid a prolonged political crisis.

Following the lawmakers’ move, Governor Siminalayi Fubara also defected from the PDP to the APC, deepening the rift between him and Wike.

Speaking at the Assembly Quarters on Saturday, Wike said the lawmakers switched parties without informing or consulting him.

He noted that the situation could have been avoided if party leadership had taken stronger steps to maintain internal unity.

“Let me thank you Mr Speaker even though it affected me with 17 of you moving out to join APC without consulting me and leaving 10 other members here,” Wike said.

“This is what I have been advising my National Chairman, keep your house in order so that the enemies will not come and take our people,” he added.

Wike warned that political opponents often exploit internal divisions to weaken parties, urging party leaders to remain vigilant.

“The enemies are hovering around and when you are not vigilant they take your people, that is why you must be at alert to make sure that enemies don’t take your people,” he stated.

Despite the defections, Wike pledged his support for the lawmakers who remained in the Assembly, assuring them of protection and continued backing.

“Those of you still remaining, whenever you choose, I’m here, but what I will not do is to let you suffer in your life,” he said.