The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded that fresh elections be conducted to replace 27 lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
These lawmakers defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023.
Umar Damagun, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, made the demand in a letter addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The letter, dated November 13, 2024, was made public during a press conference held in Akokwa, Imo State.
The spokesperson for the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition, Ikenga Ugochinyere, presented the letter to journalists.
Titled “Demand for Immediate Conduct of Fresh Election in 27 State Constituencies of Rivers State Which Have Become Vacant Pursuant to Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution,” the letter accuses the lawmakers of gross constitutional violations.
The PDP insists the defections render the lawmakers’ seats vacant under Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.
Damagun argued that the lawmakers’ actions were not justified by any legitimate division or merger within the PDP.
He wrote, “The defections of the 27 members are without lawful excuse. By operation of Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution, these members have vacated their seats.”
The PDP also highlighted the sequence of events leading up to the defection.
According to the letter, the party nominated its candidates for the Rivers State House of Assembly in July 2022.
All 32 PDP candidates won their elections in March 2023 and were inaugurated in June 2023.
Six months later, on December 11, 2023, 27 of these lawmakers announced their defection to the APC.
Damagun described the mass defection as “unlawful” and a “gross violation” of the Constitution.
He noted that the only constitutional grounds for defection—division or merger—did not apply in this case.
The letter urged INEC to perform its constitutional duty and commence fresh elections in the affected constituencies.
Damagun emphasized the importance of adhering to democratic principles in resolving the crisis.
He stated, “The leadership of our great party wishes to draw the attention of the Commission to this gross violation. We demand immediate action to protect the sanctity of our democracy.”
The PDP also provided a list of the 27 lawmakers and their constituencies to facilitate INEC’s action.
While expressing gratitude to INEC for its efforts in strengthening democracy, Damagun urged the Commission to act swiftly.
“The Commission must ensure that the will of the people is not undermined,” he added.
The PDP’s demand signals a significant escalation in the political tension between the party and defectors loyal to former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
Wike, a prominent member of the APC, has been accused of orchestrating the defections to weaken the PDP in Rivers State.
Political analysts believe this crisis could have far-reaching implications for governance in the state.
Observers say the mass defection reflects deeper divisions within Nigeria’s political landscape.
The PDP’s call for fresh elections is seen as a test of INEC’s impartiality and commitment to upholding the rule of law.
As the controversy unfolds, the spotlight remains on INEC and its response to the PDP’s demands.
