Defection: Lawmaker Demands Resignation Of 27 River Legislators

A lawmaker has called on 27 Rivers State legislators to resign after they defected from the PDP to the APC.

He views their move as a breach of democratic integrity and urges them to pursue their political alignment with the APC as ordinary party members.

In Rivers State, 27 House of Assembly lawmakers who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been called on to resign their positions and pursue their new political allegiance as ordinary party members.

VerseNews reports that Uche Harris Okonkwo, a lawmaker representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, described the defection as a severe assault on the integrity of democracy and the constitution.

Okonkwo, who is unaffiliated with either party, emphasized the clear intent of the law that legislators who switch parties within a year of their term should not retain their seats. He stressed that the lawmakers should relinquish their positions and adhere to the rules and norms of political conduct.

He criticized the lawmakers’ actions, noting that excessive executive manipulation in political defections is a troubling trend across Nigeria and a tragic slur on democracy.

Okonkwo also cited recent instances of Labour Party legislators defecting to the PDP, highlighting the widespread nature of such behavior.

Okonkwo concluded that respect for the constitution and adherence to the rule of law are crucial for the country to move forward.

He urged the lawmakers to prioritize honor and integrity over personal ambition and to act in accordance with the expectations of the public.