PDP Stands Firm on Former Lawmakers’ Seats Despite Tinubu’s Directive
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has maintained its stance on the status of 25 former lawmakers who lost their seats after defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite a recent directive from President Bola Tinubu seeking their reinstatement.
Following an emergency meeting, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) emphasized that there is no shortcut for the former lawmakers to reclaim their seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The NWC insisted that the only legitimate route for their return is through fresh elections.
President Tinubu had directed Governor Fubara to recognize Martin Amaewhule as Speaker and pay the salaries of the defected lawmakers. However, the PDP dismissed this directive as illegal, asserting that the former lawmakers must seek fresh nomination and re-election on the platform of any political party of their choice.
According to the PDP, the former lawmakers voluntarily vacated their seats by defecting without justification, fully aware of the consequences. The party clarified that the Rivers State House of Assembly, having declared the seats vacant, cannot readmit the former members without a fresh election. Additionally, the PDP refuted claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could be prevented from conducting elections in the affected constituencies.
Citing Section 84 (15) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the PDP emphasized that no court has the power to stop INEC from conducting elections wherever a vacancy occurs. The party urged INEC to proceed with fixing a date for fresh elections in the 25 constituencies while encouraging its members to remain united and uphold the rule of law.
The latest development adds to the ongoing political saga in Rivers State, characterized by a power struggle between Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The defection of 27 lawmakers, purportedly loyal to Wike, and the subsequent declaration of their seats as vacant by Fubara’s camp have led to turmoil in the state assembly.
Source: Politics Nigeria
