PDP Declares Ethiope East Federal Seat Vacant Following Ibori-Suenu’s Defection to APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared the seat of Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the member representing the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, vacant.

EKO HOT  BLOG reports that this follows her defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued on Friday, the PDP called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately begin the process of conducting a fresh election to fill the vacant seat.

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Ibori-Suenu’s defection, announced by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on Thursday, was attributed to dissatisfaction with the PDP leadership. However, the PDP, in its response, emphasized that by leaving the party, Ibori-Suenu had forfeited her seat under the Constitution of Nigeria.

The PDP, in a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, referenced Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution, which stipulates that any member of the House of Representatives who defects from the party on whose ticket they were elected automatically vacates their seat.

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The party further stated that Ibori-Suenu’s continued identification as a member of the House would be considered impersonation, potentially leading to legal consequences. The PDP urged the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms to take note of her disqualification and called for prompt legal action to protect the mandate of the people of Ethiope East/Ethiope West, which was given to the PDP.

The PDP also reiterated its demand for INEC to conduct the election within the constitutionally prescribed timeframe to ensure that the people’s representation is not compromised.

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