A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has declared that 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who purportedly defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), are still members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Justice Okogbule Gbasam of the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt stated on Monday, 10 June 2024, that the claimants were unable to establish the fact that Martin Amaewhule and the 26 other legislators had decamped to the APC.

Justice Gbasam emphasized that party membership is established through being on the party’s register or possessing a membership card, saying that televised events or verbal declarations were not sufficient enough to prove. The PDP had solicited to be joined in the case and was included as the fourth defendant.

Also, Justice Gbasam pointed out that the Rivers State government must adhere to all laws enacted by the Assembly since the members are still part of the PDP, and their inclusion in the party’s membership register is the determining factor.

He also mentioned that the state government must follow the laws created by the Assembly since the members are still part of the PDP and have not forfeited their positions.

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