Rivers Drama Unfolds: High Court Throws Out Defection Suit Filed by Pro-Wike Lawmakers Against INEC

In a fresh twist in the ongoing political saga in Rivers State, a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, dismissed a high-stakes lawsuit filed by 27 lawmakers in the Rivers House of Assembly. The lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, loyalists of former Rivers Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had sought to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from holding elections to replace them after their recent defection.

Justice Peter Lifu, presiding over the case, struck out the suit following a surprising turn of events—the lawmakers themselves moved to withdraw the case. The decision to retract their legal action has sent shockwaves through the state’s political scene, as speculation grows over the motivations behind the sudden withdrawal.

The lawmakers, originally members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made headlines when they crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Wike. Their defection stirred controversy within the state, as PDP officials argued that by leaving the party, the lawmakers had effectively vacated their seats. INEC’s proposed plan to hold fresh elections to fill those seats prompted the lawsuit, aimed at halting this process.

While the precise reasons for the lawmakers’ withdrawal remain undisclosed, analysts speculate that the move could be part of a broader political strategy or negotiation. The decision has deepened divisions within the state’s political landscape, with loyalists and opponents both scrutinizing every development.

The official announcement from Port Harcourt Socials on its X handle (@PH_Socials) quickly ignited reactions from citizens and political observers alike, who are eager to see how this will impact Rivers State’s future power dynamics. The saga highlights the ongoing power struggle between the PDP and APC in the state and signals that the political drama is far from over.

As Rivers State braces for the fallout, all eyes are now on INEC, which must decide how to proceed in light of the withdrawn case. Will the commission push forward with plans for a fresh election, or will new legal battles arise to keep these lawmakers in their seats?