APC Stakeholders: “We Are Ready to Field Candidates for Sacked Pro-Wike Lawmaker Seats

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is preparing to field candidates for the seats vacated by sacked Rivers State lawmakers, according to party stakeholders. This development follows a recent decision by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which refused to reverse the removal of Martins Chike Amaewhule and 26 other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The appellate court delivered its ruling virtually on Friday, stating that reversing the Federal High Court’s decision to declare the seats vacant would pre-judge the appeal currently pending. The court has scheduled June 20 for the hearing of the appeal by Amaewhule and the other lawmakers, urging all parties to maintain the status quo until the matter is resolved.

The APC Reform Group, in a statement, expressed readiness to field new candidates for the vacated seats. The group praised the Appeal Court’s decision, describing it as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. They emphasized that only candidates who align with the party’s principles would be considered, rejecting political opportunists like Amaewhule and his colleagues.

“We welcome the Appeal Court’s decision to uphold the Federal Court’s verdict declaring the seats of 26 Rivers State House of Assembly members vacant. This judgment is a resounding victory for democracy, the rule of law, and the principles of political integrity,” the statement read.

The group condemned the defected members’ attempt to move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, calling it a political miscalculation. They assured supporters of their commitment to selecting credible candidates and maintaining the party’s ideals.

“We are prepared to field credible candidates for the forthcoming elections. Our candidates will be selected based on their alignment with our party’s principles and philosophy. We will not consider the sacked members, who are now political jobbers without a party,” the statement continued.

The APC urged its supporters to remain steadfast and committed to the party’s goals, promising to continue working towards good governance and democratic excellence in Rivers State.

“We commend the judiciary for this landmark judgment and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law and democratic principles,” the statement concluded.