Wike Breaks Silence On Rivers Assembly Defection: “It Affected Me Deeply

According to Ireporter Online, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has admitted that the defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) personally affected him.

The lawmakers, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, formally announced their switch to the APC on December 5, 2025, a move that significantly escalated political tensions in Rivers State, which had only recently exited a six-month state of emergency.

The political situation further intensified when Governor Siminalayi Fubara also defected from the PDP to the APC shortly afterward, amid a lingering leadership crisis involving Wike.

Addressing lawmakers at the Assembly Quarters on Saturday, Wike disclosed that the defecting legislators made their decision without consulting him. He described the move as painful, particularly because it left behind a smaller group of Assembly members who chose to remain.

Wike used the occasion to stress the importance of internal unity within political parties, warning that disorganisation often creates opportunities for opponents to lure members away. He urged party leaders to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their structures against external political threats.

The former Rivers State governor assured the lawmakers who stayed back of his continued support, promising that they would not be abandoned or made to suffer as a result of their loyalty. He reaffirmed his readiness to stand by them whenever they decide to seek his guidance or support.