The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh elections in the 27 state constituencies of Rivers State. This comes after lawmakers recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a press release issued on Monday by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the PDP asserted that the defected lawmakers have forfeited their seats as stipulated in Section 109 (1) (g) of the Nigerian Constitution. This section states that a member of a House of Assembly loses their seat if they join another political party before the end of their term.
“The seats of the 27 former lawmakers have become vacant by virtue of the provision of the Constitution,” the statement said. “Therefore, we demand that the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly immediately declare these seats vacant and that INEC conduct fresh elections to fill the vacancies.”
The PDP also cautioned the former lawmakers against impersonation, warning that any attempt to parade themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly would have serious criminal consequences.
The party further commended the people of Rivers State for their loyalty to democracy and the rule of law, especially during this period of political uncertainty.