In a dramatic twist, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially declared the seat of Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the member representing the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency, vacant after her defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP, in a statement released on December 6, 2024, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to initiate a fresh election for the now-vacant position.
This follows Hon. Ibori-Suenu’s defection from the PDP, a move that the party argues violates Section 68 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution. According to this provision, any member of the National Assembly who switches political parties before the expiration of their term automatically loses their seat.
The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, emphasized that the constitutional provision is clear.
“The defection of Hon. Ibori-Suenu renders her seat vacant,” Ologunagba declared.
Under the 1999 Constitution, the PDP asserts that Ibori-Suenu is no longer entitled to the rights, privileges, or recognition as a member of the House of Representatives. The party also referred to several Supreme Court decisions that have upheld such actions in the past.
The PDP made it clear that it would not tolerate any attempts to hold on to the seat unlawfully.
“We urge Hon. Ibori-Suenu to cease presenting herself as a representative of the people,” the party stated. “Any attempt to do so could lead to charges of impersonation, with likely criminal consequences.”
The PDP also called on the Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly to enforce her removal from the House.
In a move to protect the electoral rights of the people in Ethiope East/Ethiope West, the PDP demanded that INEC conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seat within the constitutionally stipulated timeframe.
“The votes and mandate of the people of Ethiope East/Ethiope West cannot be appropriated by any person or political party under any guise,” the statement stressed.
The PDP also instructed its National Legal Adviser to initiate legal action to safeguard the rights of the constituents who voted for the PDP candidate.
“Hon. Ibori-Suenu was elected under the platform of the PDP, and her defection cannot be allowed to undermine the wishes of the voters,” the party added.
For the people of Ethiope East and West, the political drama has raised questions about party loyalty and the impact of defections on their representation.
Many local constituents have voiced concerns over the abruptness of Ibori-Suenu’s defection and what it means for their interests in the House of Representatives.
While the political battle between the two parties continues, the fate of Ibori-Suenu’s seat now rests with INEC and the National Assembly.
The PDP’s demand for a by-election is clear. If the process moves forward, the people of Ethiope East/Ethiope West could be heading to the polls soon to select a new representative.
This latest political move in Delta State highlights the ongoing power struggles between the ruling parties in Nigeria. It is yet to be seen how the APC will respond to the PDP’s call for a fresh election and what consequences this will have for future defections in Nigerian politics.
