PDP TO TAKE DEFECTING MEMBERS TO COURT

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has said that it will go to court to challenge the decision of its 37 House of Representatives members to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Olisa Metuh, made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

The members had on Wednesday in a letter to the Speaker announced their decision to defect to APC.

"As lawmakers, the defectors must be aware of provisions of section 68 (1) (g) of the amended 1999 constitution, which states conditions upon which a member of the Legislature will change platforms.

"The courts of our land have declared that the PDP is one and not bedevilled by any factions.

"Any member of the National or State Assemblies who, therefore, renounces his membership of a united PDP must be ready to face the consequences of defection in line with provisions of the constitution," Metuh said.

He said that the purported defection of the PDP Representatives to the APC was treacherous.

He added that the action, if confirmed, was a huge betrayal to the PDP and millions of voters who worked timelessly to ensure their election on PDP platform in their respective constituencies.

Metuh condemned the action, adding that it was "a desperate attempt by some selfish politicians to cause confusion in the polity".

The party spokesman, however, assured PDP members and supporters nationwide that the party remains  "unshaken by the departure of fifth columnists".

"We shall undoubtedly emerge stronger and more cohesive after these events."