In a press conference held yesterday, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections for the 27 vacant constituencies in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The demand arose in the wake of a political upheaval, with 27 lawmakers shifting their allegiance from the People’s Democracy Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Leader of the NDC, Daniel Okwa, highlighted the constitutional basis for their call, citing the relevant section of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. According to Okwa, the 27 lawmakers had effectively relinquished their seats in the state assembly, triggering the need for fresh elections.
Quoting the constitution, 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.” He further added that the 27 lawmakers must adhere to the constitutional provision and vacate their positions, as they had breached Section 109 (g) of the Constitution.
Expressing disappointment, Okwa stated, “The 27 controversial lawmakers must simply comply with the position of the law by vacating the Rivers State House of Assembly having breached Section 109 (g) of the Constitution that brought them into office. Under the law, these lawmakers cease to be elected representatives of the people and their offices must be declared vacant.”
He also criticized the lawmakers, asserting that they were misinformed and misled into defecting from the PDP to the APC without realizing the consequences of their actions. The NDC leader emphasized that the lawmakers have only themselves to blame for the current situation.
It is noteworthy that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had previously submitted a formal request to INEC, urging the electoral body to organize new elections for the 27 vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The NDC’s call adds to the mounting pressure on INEC to address the constitutional implications of the lawmakers’ defection through the democratic process of by-elections.
