27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been confirmed as PDP members by a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt.
News About Nigeria reports that Justice Okogbule Gbasam of the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt stated on Monday that the claimants were unable to demonstrate that Martin Amaewhule and the 26 other legislators had switched to the APC.
Justice Gbasam emphasized that party membership is established through being on the party’s register or possessing a membership card, stating that televised events or verbal declarations were insufficient proof.
The PDP had requested to be part of the case and was included as the fourth defendant.
Additionally, Justice Gbasam said that the Rivers State government must adhere to all laws enacted by the Assembly since the members are still part of the PDP, and their inclusion in the party’s membership register is the determining factor.
He also mentioned that the state government must follow the laws created by the Assembly since the members are still part of the PDP and have not forfeited their positions.
Recall that in December, 27 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislators in the Rivers assembly defected to the APC.
Subsequently, the Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Friday, May 30, declared the seats of the 25 lawmakers vacant pending the determination of a suit before it.
In December, the House of Assembly withdrew its notice on impeaching Fubara after President Bola Tinubu weighed in on a rift between the governor and Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Both men have been at loggerheads over control of the political structure in Rivers.
