The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has dismissed a lawsuit aimed at declaring the seats of 27 members of the Rivers House of Assembly, who are aligned with Minister Nyesom Wike, vacant.
Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the case, filed by the Action People’s Party, was barred by statute as it was submitted eight months after the alleged defection, exceeding the 14-day filing requirement, according to Peoples Gazette.
The lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress on December 11, 2023.
The APP initiated legal action on July 12, 2024.
Justice Lifu noted that multiple previous suits regarding the same lawmakers’ defection had already been addressed by the court, including a ruling by Justice James Omotosho, which had denied a request for the lawmakers’ replacement due to insufficient evidence.
He emphasized that the prior judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from declaring the seats vacant remained in effect, as it had not been appealed or overturned.
In his closing remarks, Justice Lifu asserted that it would be inappropriate for him to reassess a ruling from the same court, ultimately dismissing the APP’s suit.
