The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has scheduled January 21, 2025, to deliver its ruling on a suit filed by the Labour Party, seeking the removal of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who allegedly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The case, numbered FHC/PH/25/2024, challenges the legality of the lawmakers' defection, citing their allegiance to former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. The Labour Party is demanding the declaration of the lawmakers' seats as vacant and calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections, allowing other parties to contest.
During the hearing presided over by Justice Emmanuel Obele, Labour Party Rivers State Caretaker Committee Chairman Hilda Dokubo was in attendance. Representing the 27 lawmakers, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ferdinand Orbih urged the court to consolidate three pending applications related to the matter.
“We respectfully request an order consolidating the three applications,” Orbih stated.
However, the Labour Party's counsel, Clifford Chukwu, opposed the motion, arguing that the lawmakers failed to submit a further affidavit, which legally implies an admission of the facts in the counter-affidavit.
Justice Obele, after hearing submissions from both sides, adjourned the case to January 21, 2025, for a final decision.
Speaking to reporters, Chukwu reaffirmed the Labour Party’s position:
“These lawmakers publicly announced their defection. We have substantial evidence, including televised broadcasts on Channels TV and TVC, where they admitted to switching parties. We are asking the court to declare their seats vacant so INEC can organize by-elections where the Labour Party and others can participate.”
He also noted that the lawmakers had submitted affidavits in a related case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, further confirming their defection.
“Even the PDP acknowledged their defection in its response. We are prepared to present video evidence in court,” Chukwu added.
In a related case before Justice Obele, three lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara are seeking the removal of the same 27 pro-Wike lawmakers. This separate suit has been adjourned to December 10, 2024, for further hearing, following submissions by Victor Oko-Jumbo, the leader of the pro-Fubara lawmakers.
