PDP Reacts to Defection of 27 Rivers Lawmakers to APC

In a press statement released today, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to initiate the process of conducting fresh elections in 27 State Constituencies in Rivers State. This move comes in response to the defection of 27 former State lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP contends that, according to Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the seats of the lawmakers automatically became vacant upon their departure from the party under whose banner they were initially elected.

Section 109 (1) of the Constitution stipulates 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…”

Emphasizing the constitutional provision and its interpretation by the Supreme Court, the PDP insists that the defected members have forfeited their seats, along with all associated rights, privileges, recognition, and obligations.

The party calls on the Speaker of the Rivers State House Assembly to promptly declare the seats of the 27 former lawmakers vacant in accordance with the Constitution. Given the resulting vacancies in the State Constituencies, the PDP urges INEC to conduct fresh elections within the constitutionally stipulated period.

Additionally, the PDP issues a cautionary note, advising the former lawmakers to refrain from presenting themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to avoid potential criminal consequences associated with impersonation.

Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, signed the press statement, commending the people of Rivers State for their unwavering commitment to Democracy and the Rule of Law during this period.