The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging it to refrain from meddling in Rivers State’s political affairs. The PDP’s warning comes amidst escalating tensions following recent comments by the APC, which the PDP claims reveal attempts to unjustly seize power in the state.
In a statement released by Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, on Saturday, the party criticized the APC’s alleged efforts to undermine the constitution regarding the recent defection of former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Ologunagba highlighted that these members lost their legislative seats upon their defection, as mandated by Section 109 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Ologunagba expressed dismay at the APC’s perceived attempts to confuse the public through litigation and extensive press statements. He emphasized the clarity of the law, which stipulates that assembly members forfeit their seats if they switch parties during their term, unless the change is due to a party split or merger.
The PDP’s statement also addressed the broader implications of the defections, noting that the assembly’s quorum will now be based on the remaining members, pending any by-elections to fill the vacated positions. Ologunagba reiterated the PDP’s call for the APC to accept these legal realities and cease its efforts to disrupt the state’s governance.
