At least 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers, including the factional Speaker, Matthew Amae-whule, announced their defection in a letter read on the floor of the Assembly yesterday. The development may not be unconnected to the power struggle between Governor Simi-nalayi Fubara and his political godfather, Nyesom Wike.

However, in the letter, which was also addressed to the State’s Acting Chairman of PDP and signed by all the 27 lawmakers, the defectors cited the division at the national leadership of the party for their decision to quit the PDP.

Speaking on the development, a member of the Assembly, Enemi George, said the 27
lawmakers were under the leadership of Martin Amae-whule.