The All Progressives Congress (APC) State Assembly Forum (ASAF) has adopted a wait-and-see approach on the status of 27 Rivers State House of Assembly members who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
While welcoming their decision to join the APC, the Forum declined immediate recognition, citing ongoing legal challenges and the need for a transparent process.
The decision came after an emergency meeting on Tuesday in Abuja, where ASAF members deliberated on the volatile political situation in Rivers.
Speaking to reporters, Director-General Ambassador Fubara Dagogo acknowledged the defectors’ move but said that ASAF wouldn’t rush into a hasty decision.
However, Dagogo extended an olive branch, assuring that ASAF is open to accepting them, along with defectors from other states, but it must be done under a credible and transparent situation.
Dagogo commended President Tinubu’s recent efforts to restore peace in the state but stressed that ASAF would carefully consider the defectors’ case. He announced a follow-up meeting on February 18, 2024, ahead of a planned retreat in Switzerland, where the issue will be further discussed.
The Forum also expressed confidence in APC National Chairman Abdullah Umar Ganduje, adding that his style of leadership was responsible for boosting the party’s popularity and attracting new members to it.
The meeting convened by President Tinubu was aimed at addressing the longstanding political feud between Governor Simi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Recall that the 27 lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule and reportedly loyal to Wike, announced their switch from PDP to APC.
However, Governor Fubara’s camp, led by factional Speaker Edison Ehie, invoked Section 109(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, declaring the defectors’ seats vacant.
