The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to schedule new elections to fill 25 vacancies in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
This call comes in line with Section 109 (1) (g) of the Nigerian constitution.
The PDP argues that there is no legal remedy for the 25 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the PDP, these lawmakers vacated and lost their seats by defecting, as per Section 109 (1) (g) of the Nigerian Constitution.
In a statement released by the PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, the party emphasized that the former lawmakers have no option but to seek fresh nomination and re-election on the platform of any political party if they wish to return to the House of Assembly.
The PDP clarified that there is no division in the party at any level that justifies the defection of the 25 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The party asserts that the former lawmakers vacated their seats voluntarily and cannot return to the assembly without undergoing a fresh electoral process.
The party also advised the former members not to be misled by false assurances that they can return to the Rivers State House of Assembly without a fresh election.
The PDP emphasized that INEC has the authority to conduct elections to fill vacancies, as specified in the Electoral Act, 2022.
Finally, the PDP urged its members in Rivers State to remain united in defending constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
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