Perspectives on 27 lawmakers’ defection to APC in Rivers State

In response to the recent defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, the South-South Youths Initiatives emphasized the importance of lawmakers prioritizing their responsibilities to the people over party politics. Oscar Imaete, the group’s president, acknowledged the lawmakers’ constitutional right to choose their alliance but expressed concerns about whether the reasons for defection would be effectively addressed in their new party.

Imaete raised attention to the existing political crisis within the Rivers State APC, suggesting that it could potentially impact the lawmakers’ smooth operations. He urged lawmakers to separate party politics from governance to ensure effective representation and address the state’s challenges.

In a related development, the Ogoni Development Drive (ODD) and Coalition of Rivers Civil Society Group called for peace in the state. They urged President Bola Tinubu to encourage Minister Nyesom Wike to prioritize peace, allowing Governor Siminilaye Fubara to fulfill his responsibilities without disruption. The groups warned of potential protests if peace was not maintained.

In response, Omuboye Sukubo, a state Assembly candidate of the APC in the 2023 elections, highlighted that defections are common in politics today, often driven by survival and personal interests rather than ideological differences. Sukubo emphasized the evolving nature of politics, where gaining power and control take precedence over governance.