The Appeal Court in Abuja has dealt a significant blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by dismissing the ruling of a Rivers State High Court on the suit against 27 PDP lawmakers who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The appellate court ruled that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter, effectively striking down the ruling.
According to punch news, this development is the latest in the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, where the defection of the lawmakers has been a contentious issue. The PDP had sought to prevent the lawmakers from switching parties, arguing that their defection was a violation of the party's constitution and the electoral act.
The Appeal Court's decision is a significant victory for the defecting lawmakers, who had argued that the lower court's ruling was an infringement on their rights. The ruling is also a blow to the PDP's efforts to retain control in the state. The party is expected to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
(Punch News Report)