PDP says no going back on stand against Rivers lawmakers who defected to APC

• INEC should conduct bye-elections in the respective constituencies.
• The plaintiffs be restrained from parading themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that it will not change its position on the vacation of seats by former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Despite misleading social media reports, the party remains resolute in its stance that the affected members have constitutionally vacated their seats.

In a statement on Thursday, the PDP national publicity secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, clarified that the party is not under pressure to compromise its position in court.

The party had previously stated that the former lawmakers are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, effective December 11, 2023, when they publicly announced their defection to the APC.

For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP in its Counter Claim by its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1681/2023 filed at the Federal High Court Abuja stated clearly that the former Rivers State lawmakers “are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from December 11, 2023 when they publicly announced their defection from the PDP to the APC

The PDP sought legal action, filing a counterclaim at the Federal High Court Abuja, seeking declarations and orders that:

• The seats of the plaintiffs have been vacant since December 11, 2023.
• The plaintiffs are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
• INEC should conduct bye-elections in the respective constituencies.
• The plaintiffs be restrained from parading themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The party’s position is supported by numerous judicial decisions from the highest court in the country.