A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by 27 lawmakers from the Rivers House of Assembly challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The suit, which sought to prevent INEC from conducting fresh elections for the lawmakers’ seats, was withdrawn by the plaintiffs led by Martin Amaewhule.
Justice Peter Lifu presided over the case and ruled to strike it out following the withdrawal by the lawmakers, who had switched their allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers, loyal to former Rivers Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, initiated the suit in response to fears of losing their positions after their defection. The court’s decision now clears the way for INEC to proceed with any necessary electoral actions regarding the vacant seats.
This ruling marks a significant development in the political landscape of Rivers State, as the defection of these lawmakers could reshape the assembly’s dynamics and influence upcoming elections.
