The Political landscape in Rivers State has witnessed another confirguration with the defection of Honourable Manuchim Umezuruike, a member of the House of Representatives, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The lawmaker’s departure from the ruling party comes only months after his initial defection to the APC. Sources confirmed that Mr Umezuruike was in attendance at the ADC National Convention.
Hon. Umezuruike, a prominent ally of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was part of a quartet of federal lawmakers who moved to the APC in December 2025. This group, which also included Honourables Boniface Emerengwa, Awaji Abiante, and Boma Goodhead, defected to the ruling party to bolster Governor Fubara’s efforts to secure the APC’s political structure in Rivers State amidst a protracted crisis.
The political turmoil in Rivers State has been defined by a sharp division between loyalists of Governor Fubara and those of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Mr Umezuruike’s steadfast support for the Governor during this period appears to be a central factor in his latest political manoeuvre.
Reports emerging from political circles suggest that the defecting lawmakers have faced increasing difficulties within the APC hierarchy. It is alleged that none of the four representatives who joined the party in December are likely to secure return tickets for the upcoming elections.
This internal friction is attributed to their continued allegiance to Governor Fubara over the FCT Minister, a conflict that has significantly impacted the internal dynamics of the party’s state chapter.
The entry of Hon. Umezuruike into the African Democratic Congress is seen as a major boost for the party as it holds its national convention. For the ADC, attracting a sitting member of the National Assembly provides a vital foothold in Rivers State and signals a growing dissatisfaction among lawmakers who find themselves caught in the crossfire of the state’s high-stakes executive rivalry.
Neither the APC leadership nor the FCT Minister’s camp has issued a formal response to the defection at the time of this report. However, observers suggest that this move may herald further realignments as the various factions in Rivers State prepare for the next electoral cycle.
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