Political Tremors as 27 Rivers Lawmakers, Aligned with Wike, Defect to APC.
Intrigue and uncertainty grip Rivers State as 27 lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, make a bold move to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speculations are rife that Wike’s defection may be imminent, adding complexity to the political landscape.
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PDP Rivers lawmakers defect to APC
The mass defection, witnessed on Monday, is seen by political analysts as a strategic play laying the groundwork for Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s potential impeachment. The lawmakers, staunch allies of Wike, initiated failed impeachment proceedings against Fubara, citing internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the catalyst for their move to the APC.
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Martin Amaewhule, the leader of the defected lawmakers and the House Speaker, was prominently seen among the 26 others waving APC flags and chanting solidarity songs, marking a significant escalation in the political power struggle.
Wike, who played a pivotal role in Fubara’s ascent to the governorship, fell out with the latter over alleged undue interference. The strained relationship culminated in the lawmakers’ defection and the subsequent tension surrounding Fubara’s administration.
Nyesom Wike to Join APC
Despite Wike’s recent denial of plans to defect to the APC, political analysts suggest that the lawmakers’ allegiance to him indicates a potential shift on the horizon. Temitope Musowo, a political analyst, notes that Wike may be biding his time, strategically determining the opportune moment for a move.
What happened on Monday cannot happen without Wike ordering the lawmakers to move to APC. The body language of Wike does not show he is interested in PDP any longer; maybe he is just biding his time before moving,” Musowo observes.
Wike’s recent alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s administration has fueled speculation about his intentions. The APC in Rivers State has been divided over Wike’s purported move, with contrasting views on the impact it could have on the party.
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While some, like Tony Okocha, a Rivers APC chieftain, advocate for Wike’s defection for the state’s overall interest, Augustine Wokocha disagrees, emphasizing that it would be inappropriate for Wike to become the leader of the party in the state.
As the political drama unfolds, questions linger about the future of Wike within the PDP and the potential ramifications of his rumored defection on the political landscape in Rivers State. Bode George, former deputy national chairman of the PDP, cautions Wike to tread cautiously, emphasizing the unpredictability of political moves.
The PDP, in the face of these developments, experiences divergent views. Some see the lawmakers’ defection as a blessing in disguise, while others contend that losing Wike, a stalwart committed to the party, would be a significant setback.
The coming days may offer clarity on Wike’s political trajectory and the enduring impact of the lawmakers’ defection on the PDP and APC dynamics in Rivers State.*
