Court dismisses LP suit against 27 Pro-Wike lawmakers
A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a Labour Party suit seeking to declare vacant, the seats of 27 Rivers State House of Assembly lawmakers accused of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
Justice Emmanuel Obile, delivering the judgment on Tuesday, cited a lack of jurisdiction due to a binding Supreme Court ruling.
The Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025, decision, referenced by Justice Obile, confirmed no evidence existed of the lawmakers’ defection, rendering the issue settled.
The suit, FHC/PH/25/2024, named the Rivers State House of Assembly, the lawmakers, PDP, APC, and the INEC as defendants.
However Justice Obile held that the court was bound by Section 287(1) of the Constitution, which mandates adherence to Supreme Court decisions.
Referencing a February 28, 2025 supreme court ruling, the judge stated that the apex court had resolved the issue, confirming that there was no evidence that the 27 lawmakers defected.
“The Supreme Court’s judgment is binding on this court. The issue of the lawmakers’ status has been settled, and this court lacks jurisdiction to reopen it, “Justice Obile stated.
The Labour Party had contended that the lawmakers’ move to the APC contravened constitutional norms and warranted their removal.
The defendants, including the Rivers State House of Assembly, the lawmakers, the PDP, the APC, and the INEC, argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling forestall any further litigation.
