By: Bayero Ade
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commence the process for a by-election in the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency.
This follows the defection of Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP asserted that Ibori-Suenu’s defection automatically voids her seat in the House of Representatives, citing Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The section stipulates that lawmakers elected under a political party must vacate their seat if they join another party without justification.
The PDP emphasized that by defecting, Ibori-Suenu forfeits her seat, along with all associated rights and privileges, as upheld by various Supreme Court rulings interpreting the Constitution.
The party called on Ibori-Suenu to stop presenting herself as a representative, warning that such actions could amount to “impersonation with potential criminal consequences.”
The PDP also revealed that it has formally notified INEC to conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seat in line with constitutional requirements.
Furthermore, the PDP directed its National Legal Adviser to initiate legal action to safeguard the mandate of the Ethiope East/Ethiope West constituents, which it insists remains with the PDP.
“The mandate of the people of Ethiope East/Ethiope West belongs to the PDP and cannot be transferred to another party under any guise,” the party stated.
The PDP urged the Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly to enforce Ibori-Suenu’s removal and ensure compliance with the law.
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