Chief Edwin Clark, an elder statesman and convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections for the vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly. This follows the defection of 27 lawmakers from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023.
The lawmakers, loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, made the switch amid escalating tensions between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The power struggle has sparked multiple legal battles, further complicating the political landscape in the state.
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In an open letter to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Clark argued that the lawmakers’ defection violated Section 109 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the loss of seats under such circumstances. He stressed that the PDP was not in crisis, challenging the validity of the defections.
Mr. Clark also pointed out that the seats had been vacant for over a year, depriving the affected constituencies of representation. He urged INEC to swiftly organise by-elections to restore proper legislative representation.
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