The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken steps to address the crisis in Rivers State, as 27 of its members defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Quest Times reports that on Monday, the PDP, in response, planned to request the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for new elections to fill the vacant seats in the State House of Assembly.
The defection, fueled by internal party divisions over the position of the National Secretary, was attributed to communication challenges within the PDP.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s selection as the party’s gubernatorial candidate further intensified tensions among party members.
In a move to counter the defection, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed that the party would formally communicate with INEC to express its stance.
Moreover, he emphasized the party’s commitment to exploring all available options.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 109 (1) of the 1999 Constitution provides that “a member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if … (g) being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political Party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected, he added.’’
Governor Fubara, however, remained silent during the defection, as he presided over the state executive council meeting.
Meanwhile, the State House of Assembly continued its legislative activities, including the approval of the 2024 budget estimate.
During the session, members debated the Rivers State Local Government Law (Amendment) Bill, seeking to address concerns about the influence of individuals over elected local government officials.
The House also condemned the attack on the Assembly and urged the governor to hand over suspects to security agencies.
In response to the defection, the dissolved APC Executive Council in Rivers State through its spokesman, Darlington Nwauju,
claimed vindication, asserting that the actions of the defected lawmakers aligned with their previous concerns about the party’s dissolution and alleged manipulation by Governor Wike while speaking with newsmen.