PDP Challenges Ibori-Suenu’s Defection to APC in Court, Demands Seat Vacancy
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has taken legal action against Erhiatake Ibori-Sueni, the current representative of the Ethiope-East/Ethiope-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The PDP is seeking a Federal High Court ruling to declare her seat vacant following her defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The suit, filed on December 11, 2024, by Dr. Ayo Asala, SAN, names Ibori-Sueni, her new party APC, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants. The PDP is demanding that the court order Ibori-Sueni to vacate her seat, citing Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of Nigeria, which mandates the forfeiture of a seat for any legislator who defects from the party that sponsored their election.
The PDP argues that Ibori-Sueni, who was elected under its platform, violated this provision by defecting to the APC, thereby disqualifying her from retaining her seat. The party also seeks an order for INEC to conduct a by-election to fill the vacancy left by her defection. Additionally, the PDP is requesting a ruling on the repayment of any allowances and emoluments Ibori-Sueni has received since her defection.
The PDP’s legal action comes in response to Ibori-Sueni’s decision to join the APC despite having been elected under the PDP’s banner. The case is expected to have significant implications for party loyalty and electoral representation in the country.
