The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has made a significant declaration, asserting that the seats of the 27 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State are now considered vacant. As a result, the pro-democratic group has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct bye-elections for these constituencies in the State House of Assembly.

In a press conference held on Tuesday, Daniel Okwa, the convener of the NDC, expressed deep concern over the recent political upheaval in Rivers State, deeming it detrimental to the democratic process. Okwa cited Section 109 (g) of the Nigerian Constitution, emphasizing that the defection of the lawmakers to another political party necessitates fresh elections in their constituencies.

Quoting the Constitution, Okwa emphasized, “A member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat if, being a person whose election 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.” Consequently, he urged the defected lawmakers to comply with the constitutional provisions by vacating their seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The NDC expressed disappointment at the alleged misinformation and misleading tactics that led to the defection of the lawmakers, highlighting the legal consequences that they may not have fully realized. Additionally, the group cautioned that similar scenarios could unfold in other states and implored INEC to promptly conduct bye-elections as mandated by the law.

Furthermore, the NDC warned that failure to adhere to the constitutional provisions would prompt citizens to take action against the electoral body. This call to action underlines the urgency and gravity of the situation, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles and legal provisions in Nigeria.

In the wake of this development, the spotlight now turns to INEC as they are tasked with ensuring the integrity and fairness of the electoral process in Rivers State. With the NDC’s ultimatum and the mounting pressure for bye-elections, all eyes are on the electoral body to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the democratic values enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.