A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has ruled that Martin Amaewhule and 26 other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly remain members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The court dismissed claims that they had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Justice Okogbule Gbasam, delivering the judgment on Monday, stated that the claimants failed to provide sufficient evidence of defection, noting that party membership is typically proven by being listed in the party's register or possessing a membership card, not by verbal statements or televised ceremonies.
The PDP, seeking to join the case, was added as the fourth defendant. Justice Gbasam emphasized that the state government is obligated to obey all laws passed by the Assembly, as its members are still officially registered as PDP members. This, he stated, means that the lawmakers have not lost their seats.
