The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagun, has formally called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare 27 legislative seats in Rivers State vacant and organize bye-elections.
Damagun’s request, conveyed in a letter dated November 13, 2024, follows the defection of lawmakers from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He referenced Section 109 (1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, which stipulates that lawmakers lose their seats if they defect to another party without valid justification, such as a division or merger within their original party.
Highlighting the absence of such lawful grounds, Damagun emphasized that the defectors' departure nullifies their positions, warranting fresh elections to restore democratic integrity. He further stressed that the lawmakers must seek a renewed mandate from the electorate if they wish to represent their constituencies under a different political platform.
The content of the letter was disclosed to the public by Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition, during a press briefing in Akokwa, Imo State. Ugochinyere reiterated the PDP’s commitment to upholding constitutional provisions and pledged to explore all legal options to address what the party considers an unauthorized retention of legislative seats.
The PDP has urged INEC to act swiftly to protect the sanctity of Nigeria’s democracy and ensure that the legislative process remains aligned with constitutional directives.
