Umar Damagum Leadership Pushes for Bye-Elections in Rivers Assembly After Mass Defections

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Ambassador Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has formally requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct immediate bye-elections for 27 vacated seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The lawmakers in question reportedly defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting the call for fresh elections.

In a letter dated November 13, 2024, and titled *“Demand For Immediate Conduct of Fresh Elections in 27 State Constituencies of Rivers State Which Have Become Vacant Pursuant To Section 109 (1)(g) Of The Constitution,”* Damagum emphasized the unconstitutionality of the defections. He argued that under Section 109 (1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, such actions render the lawmakers’ seats vacant unless justified by a division or merger within the originating party, conditions that were not present in this case.

Damagum stated: “The Leadership of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), wishes to draw the attention of the Commission to the gross violation of Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) by 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly following their unlawful defection from our Party, the PDP, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, December 11, 2023.”

 PDP’s Dominance Undermined by Defections

The PDP had achieved a significant victory in the 2023 general elections, securing all 32 seats in the Rivers State Assembly. However, six months after their inauguration in June 2023, 27 members defected to the APC. This shift, according to Damagum, violates the constitutional prohibition against defections without valid justification.

Highlighting the importance of upholding democratic principles, Damagum urged INEC to fulfill its constitutional obligation by initiating the process for bye-elections to fill the vacated seats. He also provided a detailed list of the affected lawmakers and their respective constituencies to facilitate the process.

 Commitment to Democratic Processes

Damagum commended INEC for its dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and called for swift action to address this breach. “We appreciate the Commission’s unwavering commitment to deepening democracy in Nigeria and urge immediate action in this matter to ensure fairness and justice,” he concluded.

The demand for bye-elections underscores the PDP’s resolve to reclaim its lost legislative seats and maintain political stability in Rivers State amid ongoing party realignments.

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