27 out of 32 lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly in Nigeria have defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The lawmakers, who were elected on the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, ticket announced their decision during Monday, December 11 plenary at the Rivers Assembly Complex.

Channels TV has reported that the lawmakers were those under the leadership of Martin Amaehwule.

The lawmakers’ defections emerged a few days after an attempt to impeach Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Speaking during an interview with Channels TV, a member of the Assembly, Enemi George, confirmed that the 27 lawmakers were under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule.

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This comes at a time when  Amaewhule and  Edison Ehie were engaged in a speakership tussle. 

Amaewhule was being fronted by his ally, who is also ex-governor Nyesom Wike while Ehie is in the camp of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Assembly under Amaewhule had in October 2023 served an impeachment notice on the governor and removed Ehie as the House leader. 

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However, some members of the Assembly loyal to Fubara responded by impeaching Amaewhule and making Ehie the new Speaker.

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Confirmed reports indicate that the crisis at the 32-member Assembly began as a result of the disagreements between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).