The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held a press conference today following their emergency meeting on the political developments in Rivers State. The focus of the meeting was the fate of the 25 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who recently defected from the party.
The PDP asserted that there is no legal justification for the former members to retain their seats. Their defection, according to the party, automatically triggered the loss of their positions under Section 109 (1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution. Their only path back to the Assembly, the party insists, lies through a fresh electoral process.
The PDP emphasized that the defection occurred without any internal division within the party justifying such a move. Therefore, the former members must face the consequences of their actions and seek re-election under the banner of any party of their choice, as stipulated by the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The party further highlighted that the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly has already declared the seats vacant, making it impossible for the former members to return without fresh elections. The PDP cautioned the ex-lawmakers against being misled by promises of reinstatement without going through the electoral process.
Citing Section 84 (15) of the Electoral Act, which prohibits courts from hindering elections in case of vacancies, the PDP urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to schedule fresh elections in the affected constituencies with utmost urgency.
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In conclusion, the PDP leadership called upon its members in Rivers State to remain united and resolute in upholding constitutional democracy and the rule of law. They expressed confidence in the party’s strength and vowed to emerge victorious.
