The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is standing firm on its assertion that the 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have lost their seats. The PDP is now calling for fresh elections to fill the vacancies created by the lawmakers’ defection.
The lawmakers, reportedly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, announced their defection during a plenary session, citing division within the PDP as their reason for leaving.
In response, the PDP has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to initiate the process of conducting fresh elections for the 27 state constituencies in Rivers State. The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, stated that the defection triggered vacancies in accordance with Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The PDP National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, emphasized the party’s commitment to upholding the constitution. Speaking after a Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the lawmakers’ suit until January 24, 2024, Ajibade clarified the constitutional position on defection.
“PDP as a party, we are standing on the side of the constitution of the country. It is not about issues of an agreement because by the constitution, we all sworn to uphold,” said Ajibade. He emphasized that Section 109 (1g) of the constitution clearly addresses issues of defection, and the affected lawmakers have not denied their defection.
The PDP urged the lawmakers not to represent themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, warning that doing so could lead to impersonation charges with criminal consequences. Despite any intervention from prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, the PDP remains steadfast in its pursuit of adherence to constitutional provisions regarding defection.
