The political turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State intensified on Tuesday as two senators, Allwell Onyesoh of Rivers East and Barinada Mpigi of Rivers South-East, formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighting a deepening realignment in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections were announced separately on the floor of the Senate. Both lawmakers cited unresolved internal disputes within the PDP and the need to align with the Federal Government to better serve their constituents.
Senator Onyesoh said his decision followed extensive consultations with leaders and stakeholders across his district, emphasizing that his primary loyalty was to the electorate rather than any political platform.
“Political parties are instruments to advance political interests. While I was elected under the PDP, aligning with the centre is now necessary to effectively transform the lives of my people,” he said, assuring constituents that his developmental agenda, particularly in human capital, would remain unaffected by the party switch.
Senator Mpigi cited Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution, explaining that persistent factional disputes within the PDP had rendered continued membership untenable.
“The PDP is plagued by divisions at national, state, local, and ward levels, causing a collapse of effective authority in Rivers State. Continued membership under such conditions is impractical,” he said, while thanking the party for providing a platform for his political career.
The defection was formally received by senior APC officials, including the party’s National Secretary, South-South National Vice Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Youth Leader, and Rivers State APC Chairman, who hailed the move as a boost to the party’s influence in the South-South region.
The senators’ departure follows a wider exodus from the PDP in Rivers State. On the same day, six PDP members of the House of Representatives - Dumnamere Dekor (Khana/Gokana), Solomon Bob (Abua/Odual–Ahoada East), Hart Cyril (Degema/Bonny), Victor Obuzor (Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema/Ndoni), Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt II), and Felix Nweke (Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai) - also defected to the APC, further weakening the opposition’s presence.
This wave of defection comes shortly after Governor Siminalyi Fubara left the PDP for the APC on December 5, 2025, and follows the defection of 15 Rivers State House of Assembly members, including Speaker Martin Amaewhule, earlier in the month.
With these developments, the APC has strengthened its foothold in Rivers State, consolidating power in the Senate and House of Representatives, while the PDP struggles with internal divisions and a shrinking political footprint as the 2027 elections approach.
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