In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, a Federal High Court has postponed a ruling on a case brought by the Labour Party against 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The party is seeking to declare the seats of these lawmakers vacant due to their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. The court will also decide if the defection was proper and if a by-election should be conducted to fill the vacant seats. The LP’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Hilda Dokubo, was present during the court session.
During the hearing, the defendants’ counsel requested the consolidation of their applications, which focus on directing parties to file and exchange pleadings and provide evidence. The claimant’s counsel did not oppose the consolidation but objected to the defendants’ applications. The judge adjourned the case to January 21, 2025, to rule on the applications presented by both parties.