Thursday, July 16, 2026

Rivers High Court affirms 27 pro-Wike lawmakers as PDP members

The presiding judge, Okogbule Gbasam, held that there was no proof that the Martin Amaewhule-led lawmaker defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

• June 10, 2024
Gavel
Gavel used to illustrate the story

The Port Harcourt Division of the Rivers State High Court has affirmed that embattled 27 state assembly lawmakers loyal to the immediate past governor, Nysom Wike, are still members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

On Monday, the presiding judge, Okogbule Gbasam, held that there was no proof that the Martin Amaewhule-led lawmaker defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice Gbasam held that one can only be a bonafide member of a political party if the person is listed on the party’s register or has a membership card and not by television ceremonies and or verbal statements.

The judge, therefore, declared that the embattled lawmakers are still PDP members, and their names are still in the register, as provided by the party.

Mr Gbasam held that the 27 lawmakers had not lost their seats and reminded the state government that it is bound by the laws passed by the assembly and must obey them.

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