The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally announced the expulsion of the 27 members of the state House of Assembly, headed by Martin Amaewhule, from the party.
This decision stems from the lawmakers’ defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023 amid the rift between the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The defection occurred amidst a political turmoil involving the alleged impeachment plot against Governor Fubara.
Governor Fubara, along with other stakeholders, has deemed the lawmakers’ defection illegal, arguing that there was no crisis within the PDP to justify their departure.
On May 6, 2024, Governor Fubara categorically stated that the Amaewhule-led group of lawmakers “do not exist anymore in the eyes of the law.”
Subsequently, Victor Oko-Jumbo emerged as the factional speaker of the assembly under the leadership recognized by Governor Fubara. The governor reiterated that only the Oko-Jumbo faction is legally acknowledged.
However, on May 9, a Rivers State High Court ruled against declaring the seats of the 27 lawmakers vacant, affirming their status as PDP members.
The court dismissed a suit seeking to declare their seats vacant, emphasizing the lack of evidence to prove their defection to the APC beyond media reports.
In response, Sydney Gbara, the Rivers PDP Spokesman, reiterated the party’s stance that the lawmakers are no longer PDP members, citing their public declaration of allegiance to the APC. Gbara emphasized that the lawmakers’ participation in APC activities solidified their departure from the PDP.
Regarding the possibility of the lawmakers returning to the PDP, Gbara stated that they would need to follow due process by applying to the party, after which their request would be reviewed.
