The Federal High Court in Abuja has extended the interim order that prevents the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from taking any action against the 26 members of the Rivers House of Assembly who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The presiding judge, Justice Donatus Okorowo, granted the extension following an application by Steve Adehi, who appeared for the Rivers House of Assembly.
Okorowo stated that the court had the discretionary power to grant the plea in the interest of justice, as per Order 26, Rule 10 of the Federal High Court. The judge held that granting the order would be better in the interest of justice.
Justice Okorowo adjourned the matter to January 24 for a hearing. On December 15, the judge granted the ex-parte motion filed by the 26 lawmakers who left PDP for APC. The court had restrained INEC from conducting fresh elections to fill the seats of the 26 assembly members. It also restrained INEC, PDP, and the House of Assembly from declaring their seats vacant and withdrawing their respective certificate of returns pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.