The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize by-elections for the 27 vacant constituencies in the Rivers State House of Assembly. This request stems from the recent defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a press conference, NDC leader Daniel Okwa referenced the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, stating that the 27 lawmakers have forfeited their seats in the state assembly due to their party switch. According to Okwa, their action is in violation of Section 109(g) of the Constitution, which mandates the vacation of a seat by a legislator who defects to another political party.
Quoting the relevant constitutional provision, Okwa emphasized, “A member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if – being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected.”
Okwa further expressed disappointment at what he termed the misinformation and misleading of the lawmakers into defecting without realizing the legal implications. He asserted that the 27 lawmakers, by defecting, have ceased to be elected representatives of the people, and their offices should be declared vacant.
The NDC urged the lawmakers to comply with the law and vacate their seats, warning that their failure to do so could lead to bye-elections. The party expressed concern about the potential negative impact on democracy in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for lawmakers to make informed decisions in the interest of the democratic process.
