The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize fresh elections in order to replace the 27 lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday. In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, it was revealed that the lawmakers attributed their defection to the division within the PDP. These lawmakers are reportedly loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Ologunagba, the seats of the defected lawmakers have become vacant as a result of contesting elections under the PDP. Referring to the country’s constitution, he stated, The seats of the respective 27 former lawmakers have become vacant by virtue of the provision of Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
Under Section 109 (1) of the constitution, it is stated that a member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if… (g) being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political Party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected…
Hence, the PDP is demanding that the Speaker of the Rivers State House Assembly declares the seats of the 27 former lawmakers vacant in accordance with constitutional provisions. The party also insists that INEC should conduct fresh elections to fill these vacancies within the stipulated period.
Ologunagba cautioned the former lawmakers against continuing to identify themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, as it may be considered impersonation with serious legal repercussions. The PDP emphasized the need for compliance with the constitutional provisions and the recognition of the vacant seats.
As the PDP seeks fresh elections to replace the defected lawmakers, the Rivers State House of Assembly is set to witness further political maneuvering and potential shifts in power dynamics. It remains to be seen how INEC will respond to the party’s demand for fresh elections and how the political landscape in Rivers State will unfold in the coming weeks.
The defection of the 27 lawmakers underscores the ongoing political realignments and tensions within the state and emphasizes the importance of maintaining party loyalty to avoid constitutional implications. As stakeholders await the outcome of these developments, attention will be focused on whether INEC will accede to the PDP’s request and the subsequent impact on the composition and functioning of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
