A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has ruled that 27 Rivers State House of Assembly members who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are still members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
On Monday, Justice Okogbule Gbasam of the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt ruled that the claimants had failed to demonstrate that Martin Amaewhule and the other 26 legislators had defected to the APC.
Justice Gbasam highlighted that party membership is established by being on the party’s register or having a membership card, and that televised events or vocal affirmations are insufficient proof.
The PDP sought to be included in the case and was named the fourth defendant.
Additionally, Justice Gbasam stressed that The Rivers State government must follow all legislation passed by the Assembly because the members are still members of the PDP, and their inclusion on the party’s membership list is the deciding factor.
He further stated that the state administration must obey the legislation enacted by the Assembly because the members are still members of the PDP and have not given up their posts.
