In a twist of events, the leader of the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers in Rivers State, Martin Amaewhule, has refuted claims of defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Amaewhule, who serves as the speaker of the faction, asserted that they were elected under the PDP platform and never took steps to defect to another party.
The controversy surrounding the lawmakers’ allegiance arose nine months after their supposed defection to the APC, following political rifts between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The lawmakers had cited divisions within the PDP as the reason for their defection, chanting President Bola Tinubu’s campaign song and waving the APC flag on the day of their alleged switch.
Despite the claims of defection, Amaewhule maintained that they remained loyal to the PDP and accused Governor Fubara of orchestrating efforts to remove them from office through legal means. The Federal High Court in Abuja recently dismissed a suit filed by the Action Peoples Party seeking the replacement of the lawmakers after their seats were declared vacant, citing procedural issues.
The ongoing legal battles and political maneuvering in Rivers State have further heightened tensions between the factions aligned with Wike and Fubara. While the peace deal brokered by President Tinubu had temporarily eased tensions, it eventually collapsed, leading to renewed conflicts within the state legislature.
As the political drama unfolds, the APC in Rivers has vowed to take action against the lawmakers for their denial of defection and continued allegiance to the PDP. The situation remains fluid, with the future of the lawmakers and the political landscape in Rivers State hanging in the balance amidst the ongoing crisis.