The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly initiate the process of organizing new elections for the 27 State Constituencies in Rivers State. These constituencies have become vacant due to the defection of the 27 former State lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP contends that the seats of the defected lawmakers have automatically become vacant under Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as they defected from the political party platform (PDP) on which they were elected.
Highlighting the existing vacancies in the 27 State Constituencies in Rivers State, the PDP insists that INEC should conduct fresh elections within the specified period outlined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The statement also cautions the former lawmakers against presenting themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, emphasizing that such actions could lead to charges of impersonation with serious legal consequences. The PDP expresses appreciation for the unwavering commitment and loyalty of the people of Rivers State to democracy and the rule of law during this period.
