JUST-IN: ‘They are still PDP members’ — Court gives verdict on 27 defected lawmakers

• In December, 27 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislators in the Rivers assembly defected to the APC.
• The seats of 25 of the lawmakers were subsequently declared vacant.

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has affirmed that 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, are still members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Justice Okogbule Gbasam of the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt stated on Monday that the claimants were unable to demonstrate that Martin Amaewhule and the 26 other legislators had switched to the APC

Justice Gbasam emphasized that party membership is established through being on the party’s register or possessing a membership card, stating that televised events or verbal declarations were insufficient proof.

The PDP had requested to be part of the case and was included as the fourth defendant.

Additionally, Justice Gbasam emphasized that the Rivers State government must adhere to all laws enacted by the Assembly since the members are still part of the PDP, and their inclusion in the party’s membership register is the determining factor.

He also mentioned that the state government must follow the laws created by the Assembly since the members are still part of the PDP and have not forfeited their positions.