The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately initiate the process of conducting a fresh election for the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
This demand follows the defection of Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, who was elected under the PDP platform, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP asserts that her defection has triggered the self-executory provisions of Section 68 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulates that a lawmaker automatically vacates their seat upon switching political parties before the end of their tenure.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP described the constitutional provision as unequivocal.
“For clarity, Section 68 (1) of the 1999 Constitution provides that ‘a member of the Senate or House of Representatives shall vacate his seat in the House of which he is a member if … (g) being a person whose election to the House was sponsored by a political Party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected,’” the statement read.
The party emphasized that the Supreme Court has provided a clear interpretation of this section, leaving no room for ambiguity.
It argued that Hon. Ibori-Suenu’s defection rendered her seat vacant and stripped her of all rights, privileges, and recognition as a member of the House.
The PDP further urged Hon. Ibori-Suenu to desist from parading herself as a member of the House, warning that such actions could amount to impersonation with possible criminal repercussions.
The party also called on the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms to take note of her loss of membership in the House.
The PDP announced its intention to formally communicate with INEC, urging the electoral body to conduct a fresh election within the constitutionally stipulated time frame to fill the vacancy.
Additionally, the party has directed its National Legal Adviser to take legal action to ensure that the mandate given to the PDP by the people of Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency is upheld.
“The PDP is resolute in protecting the votes and mandate freely given to the party by the people of Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency of Delta State. This mandate cannot and must not be appropriated by any person or political party under any guise,” the statement concluded.
The defection has reignited debates around constitutional provisions for political defection and their implications for Nigeria’s democratic processes.