Nigerians have been reacting to the news that 27 Rivers State House of Assembly members have defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers are loyalists of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike. 

On social media, the news is the number one political topic being discussed after it sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape. 

The mass defection has already ignited speculation about potential ramifications for the political landscape of Rivers state. 

Sodiq Tade, a PDP member, wrote on X:

”It is time for Amaechi to go back to PDP. Wike has lost the battle in the PDP, so he is currently looking for a way to become a leader in Rivers APC. As far as we are concerned, Sim Fubara is the leader of the PDP in Rivers. Anybody who is not okay with it should leave for APC or LP.”

Salawu Idris, a zoologist, wrote: 

”Wike is playing a good and defensive game. In the end, PDP will be at a loss. What a moment!”

Dr Barry Avotu Johnson, a Labour Party member, dismissed the significance of the defection, saying: 

”They will all lose watch it. They will not make it. The people of Rivers will do what they are supposed to do. Wike alone doesn’t own Rivers state.”

Pastor Okezie J. Atañi, an APC member, wrote:

”This is serious. 27 members out of the grip of the ruling party in the state? Nahhhh. This is clear on who runs the state.”

Meanwhile, Governor Sim Fubara has summoned an emergency council meeting after news of the defection filtered across the state.