Quick Summary:
Six additional PDP lawmakers and two senators from Rivers State defect to the APC, deepening the political realignment following Governor Fubara’s earlier defection.
On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the political crisis in Rivers State escalated as six more members of the House of Representatives defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers’ letters of defection were read during plenary by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who cited “irreconcilable differences” and the unresolved leadership crisis within the PDP as the main reasons for their departure.
Details of the Defection
The defecting lawmakers are:
- Robinson Dekor (Khana/Gokana)
- Solomon Bob (Abua/Odual and Ahoada East)
- Cyril Hart (Degema/Bonny)
- Victor Obuzor (Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni)
- Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt II)
- Felix Nwaeke (Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai)
Their exit marks another major blow to the PDP’s representation in the National Assembly, further consolidating the APC’s dominance in the state’s federal delegation.
Broader Impact on Rivers State Caucus
The defection significantly weakens the PDP’s presence in the House of Representatives.
Following a previous wave of exits last week involving Boniface Emerengwa, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, Boma Goodhead, and one Labour Party member, the PDP’s Rivers caucus has now shrunk from 12 members to just two or three.
Only House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, Kelechi Nwogu, and reportedly Anderson Allison Igbiks remain on the PDP platform.
During the session, Chinda raised a point of order urging the Speaker to declare the defectors’ seats vacant, but Speaker Abbas declined to make an immediate ruling.
Simultaneous Senate Defections
On the same day, two PDP senators from Rivers State also formally defected to the APC on the floor of the Senate:
- Senator Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East)
- Senator Barinada Mpigi (Rivers South-East)
These developments follow the high-profile defection of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the APC on December 5, 2025, a move that has effectively shifted the political balance of the South-South region in favor of the ruling party.