Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Chike Amaewhule, on Friday formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, blaming what he described as “unresolved divisions” within the PDP for his decision.
Amaewhule announced his defection during plenary in Port Harcourt, alongside 15 other lawmakers who also switched allegiance to the APC, further reshaping the political landscape in the state.
Addressing his colleagues, the Speaker said he had already notified his ward chairman of his exit from the PDP, stressing that his move was driven by the internal cracks that had continued to weaken the party.
“Distinguished colleagues, let me happily announce that I have written to my ward chairman of my decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party,” he declared.
“APC is now my party. I will do all that is needed to ensure that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time.”
Amaewhule praised President Bola Tinubu, saying his leadership and support for Rivers State played a major role in his decision.
“Mr President is doing so much for this country. President Bola Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He is tackling the issues of security,” 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. So I’m delighted to be part of the APC so that we can support Mr President right inside the party.”
He insisted, however, that the fundamental reason for his departure from the PDP was the deepening internal conflict within the party.
“The major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in the party,” he added.
Amaewhule’s defection heightens the political tension in Rivers State, coming amid a longstanding crisis between rival factions loyal to different political power blocs in the state. The move is expected to further alter alignments ahead of future political contests.
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