PDP Acting Chairman Demands Bye-Election for Defected Rivers Lawmakers

Damagun contended that the lawmakers’ move to the APC was unlawful, as there was no division or merger within the PDP to justify such a defection.

Abuja, Nigeria – The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagun, has formally requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye-election for 27 lawmakers from Rivers State who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a letter dated November 13, 2024, Damagun urged INEC to hold fresh elections in the 27 state constituencies rendered vacant by the lawmakers’ defection. He cited Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution, which states that a lawmaker’s seat becomes vacant if they defect to another party without a legitimate reason.

Damagun contended that the lawmakers’ move to the APC was unlawful, as there was no division or merger within the PDP to justify such a defection. He emphasized that the lawmakers have forfeited their seats and cannot re-enter the House of Assembly without a new election.

The letter was shared with journalists by Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition, during a press conference in Akokwa, Imo State.

The PDP is demanding that INEC conduct fresh elections in the 27 state constituencies to fill the vacancies created by the defected lawmakers. The party has attached a list of the 27 affected lawmakers and their constituencies to the letter.