### Political Landscape Shifts as Two Rivers Senators and Six Reps Defect from PDP to APC The political dynamics in Rivers State have undergone a significant transformation as two senators and six members of the House of Representatives have defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This move, which occurred on December 23, 2025, is seen as a major boost for the APC, enhancing its strength in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The defectors, who are reportedly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have cited unresolved leadership crises within the PDP as a key reason for their departure [https://megaiconmagazine.com/two-rivers-senators-six-reps-dump-pdp-for-apc, https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/23/six-rivers-rep-members-dump-pdp-for-apc]. ### Breakdown of the Defection and Its Implications 1. **Defectors' Identity and Background** - The defectors include two senators: Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East) and another unnamed senator. - The six House of Representatives members are Robinson Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Hart, Victor Obuzor, Blessing Amadi, and Felix Nwaeke [https://theeagleonline.com.ng/just-in-six-rivers-reps-dump-pdp-for-apc, https://daylightng.com/rivers-six-pdp-reps-defect-to-apc]. 2. **Reasons for Defection** - The lawmakers have expressed dissatisfaction with the PDP's internal leadership, which they claim has been plagued by prolonged crises [https://newsheadline247.com/rivers-pdp-reps-defect-apc-wike-loyalists]. - Their allegiance to Nyesom Wike, a prominent political figure in the region, has also influenced their decision to switch parties [https://kanyidaily.com/2025/12/two-rivers-senators-six-house-of-reps-members-loyal-to-wike-dump-pdp-for-apc.html]. 3. **Impact on Political Landscape** - This mass defection is expected to strengthen the APC's position in Rivers State, potentially altering the balance of power in the region [https://insidebusiness.ng/237431/two-rivers-senators-six-reps-defect-from-pdp-to-apc-strengthening-ruling-partys-hold]. - Governor Siminalayi Fubara has hailed the defections as a watershed moment for Rivers politics, indicating a shift in political allegiance among key figures [https://nationalnetworkonline.com/2025/12/23/fubara-hails-mass-defection-to-apc-as-watershed-moment-for-rivers-politics]. ### Supporting Evidence of Political Shift - **Defection Timeline**: The defections occurred during a plenary session on December 23, 2025, marking a significant event in the political calendar of Rivers State [https://naijaonpoint.com.ng/breaking-six-pdp-rep-members-defect-to-apc]. - **Political Reactions**: The APC's growing strength in the Senate and House of Representatives is underscored by the recent influx of lawmakers, which could lead to more legislative support for the ruling party [https://www.westernpost.ng/political-shake-up-eight-rivers-federal-lawmakers-defect-from-pdp-to-apc]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for Rivers State Politics The recent defections from the PDP to the APC by two senators and six House of Representatives members signify a pivotal moment in Rivers State's political landscape. 1. **Strengthening of APC**: The APC's influence in the state has been bolstered, potentially leading to a more unified legislative agenda. 2. **Challenges for PDP**: The PDP faces significant challenges as it grapples with internal leadership issues and the loss of key members. 3. **Future Implications**: The political realignment may set the stage for future electoral contests, with the APC now positioned more favorably in Rivers State [https://www.legit.ng/politics/1689461-breaking-fresh-storm-hits-pdp-rivers-reps-defect-apc]. This shift not only reflects the changing allegiances within Nigerian politics but also highlights the ongoing struggles within the PDP, which must now reassess its strategies to regain lost ground.