The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has reserved its ruling on a suit challenging the alleged defection of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, all of whom are loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The Labour Party filed the suit, seeking to have the seats of these lawmakers declared vacant for allegedly defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The court has set April 16, 2025, to deliver its judgment on an application to dismiss the case, following a recent Supreme Court ruling that restored the Amaewhule-led leadership of the Assembly.
The Supreme Court’s decision on February 28, 2025, recognized the lawmakers as valid members of the House, affirming that their defection claims were not substantiated. Despite this, the Labour Party argues that the issue of defection remains a “collateral matter” that should be addressed by the Federal High Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over such cases24. Counsel for the lawmakers, however, maintains that the Supreme Court’s ruling resolves all relevant issues, and thus, the case should be struck out.
The ongoing legal battle reflects the deepening political crisis in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara had initially raised allegations of defection but later withdrew them at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The situation remains tense, with both sides awaiting the court’s decision on April 16, which could have significant implications for the political landscape of the state.
