The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains resolute in its stance that the 26 lawmakers who defected from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are no longer valid members of the Rivers House of Assembly. This assertion was reiterated by PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, in a press briefing following an adjournment of the lawmakers’ suit by Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, until Jan. 24, 2024.
Ajibade emphasized that regardless of any interventions, including those by President Bola Tinubu regarding the dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the party remains steadfast in upholding the constitution with regard to defection. He underscored, “PDP as a party, we are standing on the side of the constitution of the country. It is not about issues of an agreement because by the constitution, we all sworn to uphold.”
He continued by highlighting the constitutional obligation of all officeholders to uphold its provisions, despite any external interventions. Addressing the president’s involvement, Ajibade said, “I am not against the president, calling for the resolution of the matter. He is the chief security officer of this country and he has every right to intervene in the issue.”
Ajibade further cited Section 109 (1g) of the country’s constitution, which elucidates the guidelines pertaining to defection, emphasizing that the affected lawmakers had not denied their action. With this, the PDP continues to assert its position on the status of the defected lawmakers and their seats in the Rivers House of Assembly.
