By Mercy Aikoye
A group of opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives has expressed concerns about the actions of the PDP leadership regarding a court case involving the defection of 27 PDP members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the APC.
The lawmakers, under the aegis of the Opposition Coalition, claim that the PDP leadership’s actions may be weakening the party’s legal standing and potentially destabilizing the PDP government in Rivers State.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Ikenga Ugochinyere detailed a series of events that he described as a calculated attempt to undermine the PDP’s interests. He alleged that the PDP leadership is opposing the National Legal Adviser’s move to neutralize the defected lawmakers and is working in favor of the APC lawmakers.
The case centers on a dispute over the defection of 27 PDP members to the APC on December 11, 2023. The Rivers State High Court had previously issued an ex parte order restraining key state officials from interacting with the defected lawmakers.
The Opposition Coalition lawmakers argue that the PDP leadership’s actions are part of a broader scheme to destabilize the PDP in Rivers State and pave the way for the APC’s political ambitions.
Ugochinyere warned of dire consequences if the situation is allowed to continue, including erosion of internal democracy, potential fragmentation, loss of public trust, and significant legal and financial repercussions.
He called for immediate action, including reaffirming the authority of the National Legal Adviser, taking legal steps to prevent further interference, and convening a disciplinary committee to investigate the actions of the PDP leadership.
Ugochinyere urged all members of the PDP and well-meaning Nigerians to join them in defending the integrity of the party and ensuring that justice prevails.”
