Defection: PDP Declares Ibori’s Daughter House of Reps Seat Vacant

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared the House of Representatives seat for Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency vacant following the defection of Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately begin the process of conducting a fresh election to fill the position.

In a statement issued on December 6, the PDP stated that Hon. Ibori-Suenu automatically forfeited her seat by virtue of Section 68 (1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). The section stipulates that any member of the National Assembly elected on a party platform must vacate their seat if they defect to another party before the expiration of their term.

Citing the constitutional provision and its interpretation by the Supreme Court, the PDP asserted that Hon. Ibori-Suenu had irreversibly lost her seat along with the rights, privileges, and recognition afforded to a member of the House of Representatives. The party warned her against continuing to present herself as a representative, noting that such actions could amount to impersonation with potential criminal implications.

The PDP has formally notified INEC to conduct a by-election within the constitutionally required timeframe to fill the vacancy. Additionally, the party has directed its National Legal Adviser to initiate legal proceedings to safeguard the mandate and votes given to the PDP by the people of Ethiope East/Ethiope West.

The statement was signed by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP National Publicity Secretary.