A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has ruled that 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) remain members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In his ruling on Monday, Justice Okogbule Gbasam of the Rivers State High Court determined that the claimants had failed to provide evidence that Martin Amaewhule and 26 other legislators joined the APC.
Justice Gbasam also insisted that party membership can only be established by being on the party's register or possessing a membership card stating that televised events or verbal declarations were insufficient proof.
Furthermore, Justice Gbasam stated 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 noted that the state government must comply with the laws created by the Assembly since the members are still part of the PDP and have not forfeited their positions.
