The Niger Delta region, traditionally a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is witnessing a wave of defections, with Rivers State potentially being swept up in the exodus.
Recent indications suggest that members of the National Assembly from Rivers State might change allegiance in the coming days.
Recently, a group of nine federal lawmakers from Rivers State, all members of the PDP, recently declared their unconditional support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The lawmakers, comprising two Senators and seven House of Representatives members, chanted the “on your mandate we shall stand” song, which some have interpreted as a signal of their potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Lawmakers’ Declaration
During a press briefing, Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East, and Senator Allwell Onyesoh of Rivers East, along with House of Representatives members, declared their support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Mpigi said, “We want to remind Nigerians that in 2023, we worked assiduously under the leadership of Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. And we were victorious in that assignment.”
The lawmakers assured that they would replicate their 2023 efforts in 2027, mobilizing their constituents to re-elect President Tinubu.
Mpigi added, “As members of the National Assembly from Rivers State, we declare unequivocally our unconditional resolve to work again for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027.”
Potential Defection
When asked if their actions could be seen as anti-party, Senator Mpigi hinted that things would unfold themselves in the coming days.
He said, “The truth is that we are members of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and we are also National Assembly members. Things will unfold themselves in the coming days and I think I want to tell you that we will definitely get to the promised land at that time so we do not need to be ambushed.”
This statement has sparked speculation about the lawmakers’ potential defection to the APC.
Some have interpreted their declaration of support for President Tinubu and the chanting of the “on your mandate we shall stand” song as a sign that they might be preparing to join the ruling party.
Speculation about Governor Fubara’s Defection
There have also been speculations about the Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, potentially joining the APC as part of the conditions for his reinstatement.
While neither the governor nor his allies have denied or confirmed the claim, sources close to the Governor said it was true but could not authoritatively say so.
Implications
Political Analysts say the potential defection of the lawmakers and the governor could have significant implications for the political landscape of Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.
It could potentially shift the balance of power in the state and the region, with far-reaching consequences for the PDP and the APC.
The lawmakers’ declaration of support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid and their potential defection to the APC could also be seen as a sign of the growing influence of the ruling party in the region.
It could potentially attract more defections from the PDP, further weakening the party’s grip on the region.
Meanwhile, THEWHISTLER reports that the political landscape of Rivers State is on the brink of a significant shift, with potential defections from the PDP to the APC.
The declaration of support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid by the nine federal lawmakers from Rivers State has sparked speculation about their potential defection.
As things unfold themselves in the coming days, one thing is certain – the political future of Rivers State and the Niger Delta region will be shaped by these developments.
