The National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Appeal Court judgement that reinstated 24 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Initially, a state High Court in Port Harcourt restrained 25 Assembly members who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from acting as lawmakers on May 30, 2024.
The Assembly members, led by Martin Amaewhule, challenged the High Court’s verdict at the Appeal Court. On Thursday, the appellate court dismissed the lower court’s order, stating that it lacked the jurisdiction to issue the ex parte order.
Dr. Samson Iroegbunam, Executive Director of the NDC, reacted to the judgement, emphasizing that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) mandates that lawmakers who defect from the party on whose platform they were elected must forfeit their seats. He called the reinstatement “against the rule of law, undemocratic, antithetical, retrogressive and provocative,” warning that it could further destabilize the fragile peace in the state.
The Coalition’s statement criticized the Appeal Court’s ruling, arguing that it complicates judicial precedence and undermines Nigeria’s democracy and rule of law. The NDC referenced Section 109. (1) (g) of the Constitution, which states that a member of a House of Assembly must vacate their seat if they join another political party before the end of their term.
The Coalition urged Nigerians to defend the Constitution and ensure that democratic principles are upheld.
