A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has scheduled its ruling for January 21, 2025, regarding a case brought by the Labour Party (LP) concerning the defection of 27 lawmakers.
These lawmakers, previously affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), switched their allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last year amid a political crisis in the state.
The Labour Party contends that the defecting lawmakers, aligned with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, should forfeit their seats in the State Assembly due to their political defection. The party is seeking a court declaration that these seats be declared vacant, prompting fresh elections to replace the lawmakers.
In its suit, designated FHC/PH/25/2024, the Labour Party challenges the validity of the defections and calls upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize by-elections for the disputed seats.
Additionally, on December 10, 2024, the court will hear arguments in a related case filed by Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo and three other lawmakers loyal to the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The pro-Fubara legislators are also petitioning the court to prevent the 27 defecting lawmakers from continuing to identify as members of the State Assembly.
