Court dismisses defection case against Rivers lawmakers, experts debate political implications

In a significant ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a defection suit against 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

The suit, filed by the Action People’s Party (APP), sought to unseat the lawmakers for allegedly defecting from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment, ruled that the case was statute-barred, citing that the APP failed to file within the 14-day window permitted by law.

The defection, which allegedly took place in December last year, prompted the APP to take legal action only in July—eight months after the event, far exceeding the time frame for such suits.

Beyond the timing issue, Justice Lifu further described the case as a “gross abuse of court process,” noting that several similar cases on the alleged defection had already been decided by the Federal High Court. “Judicial resources cannot be wasted on repetitive suits of the same nature,” Lifu remarked in his ruling.

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Legal analysts have expressed mixed reactions to the ruling. Constitutional lawyer, Dr. Adebayo Olawale, emphasized that the judgment underscores the importance of adhering to legal deadlines in political matters.

“Statute-barred cases send a clear message that litigants must act swiftly to seek justice, especially in politically sensitive defection cases,” he said.

On the political front, experts believe the dismissal could embolden politicians in similar situations to switch allegiances with less fear of legal repercussions.

Dr. Emeka Nwosu, a political analyst, noted that the decision could further strain the relationship between the PDP and APC in Rivers State, especially with the influence of Wike.

“This ruling reflects a broader trend where defections have become a tool for political maneuvering without significant legal consequences,” Nwosu added.

The ruling also highlights the ongoing power struggle between Nigeria’s major political parties ahead of the 2027 elections, with experts warning that more cases of defection could arise as parties vie for dominance across states.