Court bars INEC from conducting election to replace 27 defected lawmakers

Federal High Court Halts INEC’s Move to Replace 27 Defected Lawmakers in Rivers State

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), preventing it from conducting by-elections to replace the 27 defected lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State.

The affected legislators, including the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and 26 others, had their seats declared vacant by the state’s PDP chapter after aligning with the All Progressives Congress (APC) on December 11, a move allegedly associated with their loyalty to Minister Nyesom Wike.

Notable among the defectors are Hon. Dumle Maol, Hon. Major Jack, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, Hon. Franklin Nwaboshi, and several others.

In a suit marked FHC/AB3/CS/1681/23, the lawmakers, acting as plaintiffs, sought an order preventing INEC and other respondents from declaring their seats vacant or taking any steps toward declaring them vacant. They also requested the court to stop INEC from conducting fresh elections until the motion on notice is heard and determined.

Justice Donatus Okorowo, in a judgment delivered on December 15, granted an interim order, stating, “An order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the 1st and 3rd Defendants/Respondents from declaring vacant or taking any steps whatsoever to declare vacant the seats of the Plaintiffs/Applicants at the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The court further enjoined INEC from withdrawing the Certificates of Return of the lawmakers and from organizing fresh elections until the case is heard and determined.

Recall that Ejes Gist News Nigeria has previously reported that pro-Wike lawmakers have secured a court order to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.

This legal development adds a new layer of complexity to the political landscape of Rivers State, as the court intervenes to maintain the status quo pending a thorough examination of the lawmakers’ grievances. The interim order aligns with the principle of preserving the democratic process while legal matters are addressed.