PDP Acting Chairman Damagum Requests INEC to Replace Rivers Lawmakers Who Defected

Umar Damagun, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has formally requested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) organize bye-elections for 27 state constituencies in Rivers State.

This call comes after the lawmakers from these constituencies left the PDP to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a letter dated November 13, 2024, Damagun appealed to INEC to declare these seats vacant and proceed with fresh elections, following the recent defections. He cited the provisions of Section 109 (1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, which asserts that a lawmaker loses their seat if they move to another party without legitimate grounds. Damagun argued that these lawmakers did not have any lawful justification, such as an internal party division or merger, to warrant their switch to the APC. According to him, their departure from the PDP nullifies their positions, necessitating new elections to fill these roles.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Damagun underscored the importance of upholding democratic principles and respecting the Constitution. He argued that by leaving the PDP, these lawmakers forfeited their right to their seats and must seek a renewed mandate from voters if they wish to return to the House of Assembly under a different party.

The contents of Damagun’s letter were shared with the public by Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition, during a press conference held in Akokwa, Imo State. Ugochinyere emphasized the PDP’s stance on the issue, noting that the party would pursue all legal avenues to ensure compliance with the Constitution and prevent what it views as an unauthorized occupation of legislative seats.

This move highlights the PDP’s commitment to maintaining party loyalty and addressing defections that, in its view, undermine the electoral process and the will of the voters in Rivers State