RIVERS STATE IN CROSSHAIRS: WHAT THE MASS DEFECTION SIGNALS FOR 2026

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By Nwafor Oji Awala

The political winds sweeping through Rivers State have shifted once again, this time with a force strong enough to reshape the terrain ahead of the 2027 elections. The recent defection of sixteen, indeed seventeen, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not a mere political manoeuvre. It is a barometer of deeper tensions within the state’s power structure, and a pointer to what political observers should brace for in the months ahead.

A Defection That Speaks Louder Than Words

In a state where political undertones often speak louder than official pronouncements, the mass exodus of lawmakers cannot be dismissed as a casual move. Led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, this coordinated shift has altered the legislative balance and set the stage for a heightened battle for supremacy as 2026 approaches. Those who understand the peculiar rhythm of Rivers politics know that such strategic realignments rarely happen without long-term goals.

Politics of Interest, Not Ideology

The defections also underscore a fundamental truth about Nigerian politics: party ideology has long taken a backseat to individual and collective interests. In a system where loyalty is fluid and party cohesion fragile, politicians gravitate toward platforms that align with their survival instincts. Whether anyone agrees with their move or not, those lawmakers acted within the norms of Nigeria’s political culture, one where interest is king and allegiance negotiable.

Was Governor Fubara Blindsided?

A question that now dominates discourse is whether Governor Siminalayi Fubara knew about the lawmakers’ defection before it happened. His silence since the development only deepens the speculation. If he was indeed unaware, the state may be reliving the early tensions that once pushed Rivers dangerously close to a state of emergency. A governor disconnected from the pulse of his legislature is one treading on fragile ground.

A Government Running on Low Fuel

The lingering delay in the submission of commissioner nominees and other key appointments further exposes fractures within the state government. Rivers State has been operating with just eight commissioners and no Attorney General, a situation that is not only constitutionally questionable but politically unhealthy. These delays point to a strained relationship between the executive and the legislature, one that now threatens the smooth running of government.

The Unending Battle for Control

What is unfolding is not merely a disagreement between political actors; it is a struggle for total control of the Rivers State government machinery. The rivalry is deep, the interests entrenched, and the stakes exceedingly high. Until a dog falls for a day, this contest for dominance will continue, until one side triumphs, whether through impeachment or through the ballot.

A State Walking Toward Another Crossroad

With the House of Assembly now adjourned until January 2026, and critical matters such as the 2026 budget and commissioner list hanging in uncertainty, Rivers State stands once again at a troubling crossroads. The political future of the state rests not only on the choices of its leaders but also on the willingness of its competing factions to avoid a repeat of past crises.

What is clear is that the battle for Rivers is far from over. What is unclear is how many more storms the state can weather before the clouds finally clear.


Nwafor Oji Awala 

©️ Prime Heritage Magazine 

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