Nigeria’s political scene, particularly in Rivers State, witnessed a major shift on Tuesday after two senators and six members of the House of Representatives formally left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In the Senate, Allwell Onyesoh, who represents Rivers East, and Barinada Mpigi of Rivers South-East announced their defection during plenary. Senate rules were temporarily suspended to allow the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, alongside other party officials, to enter the chamber and witness the development.
Both lawmakers, widely regarded as allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, explained that persistent and unresolved internal crises within the PDP informed their decision to leave the party.
Their move further strengthened the APC’s grip on the upper legislative chamber, pushing its number to 78 senators and giving it a comfortable majority. The defections also reflect a growing trend of influential politicians aligning with the ruling party, a trend that recently included Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Despite growing criticism and fears expressed by some observers that the country is drifting toward a one-party system, Senate leaders dismissed such concerns. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele insisted that democracy remains vibrant, stressing that the APC continues to act as a responsible participant in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He assured minority parties of cooperation, saying the ruling party is focused on governance outcomes that will improve the lives of Nigerians, including food security and healthcare delivery.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while welcoming the defectors, cautioned that the APC must uphold internal democracy. He emphasised that new members should be given fair opportunities to participate and grow within the party, adding that justice, inclusiveness, and effective national policies must remain central to governance. Akpabio also expressed sympathy for opposition parties, urging them to resolve their internal disputes.
Meanwhile, the political shake-up extended to the House of Representatives, where six lawmakers from Rivers State, also identified as loyal to Wike, officially joined the APC. Among them are Dumnamere Robinson Dekor of Khana/Gokana, Solomon Bob of Abua/Odual and Ahoada East, Hart Cyril of Degema/Bonny, Victor Obuzor of Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema/Ndoni, Blessing Amadi of Port Harcourt II, and Felix Nweke of Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai. Their departure further weakens the PDP’s standing in the oil-rich state and adds momentum to the APC’s expanding influence.
What you should know
The defection of Rivers lawmakers highlights the deepening internal crisis within the PDP and the growing dominance of the APC at the federal level.
With the ruling party now commanding a strong majority in the Senate and gaining ground in the House of Representatives, concerns about political balance and effective opposition have intensified. While APC leaders insist democracy is not under threat, analysts believe sustained defections could reshape Nigeria’s political competition ahead of future elections.
How opposition parties respond to these losses may determine whether they can remain viable alternatives or continue to lose influence nationally.
