The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in its 580th meeting held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, meticulously assessed the state of the party in Rivers State, focusing on the defection of 25 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the PDP. The committee has subsequently reached the following resolutions:
In a statement, the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba said the party will officially communicate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), formally informing the electoral body of the vacancies in the Rivers State House of Assembly resulting from the defection of the 25 former members. This defection, in accordance with Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), has led to the automatic vacation of their seats.
He said the Party formally demands that INEC, within the constitutionally stipulated time, conducts fresh elections in the 25 State Constituencies in Rivers State where vacancies now exist in the House of Assembly due to the defection of the aforementioned members.
The National Legal Adviser of the PDP is directed to initiate appropriate legal action concerning the declaration of the seats of the 25 defected former members as vacant. This legal action will also address the imperative of conducting fresh elections into the 25 State Constituencies in Rivers State, aligning with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
The PDP pledges to take all necessary and democratic steps to safeguard the votes and mandates of the people in the 25 State Constituencies in Rivers State, ensuring that these democratic rights are not appropriated under any circumstance.
Ologunagba said this announcement underscores the party’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and protecting the interests of the electorate in Rivers State. He said the PDP affirms its dedication to ensuring that the democratic process remains robust and reflective of the will of the people.
