The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to initiate the process for a fresh election to fill the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives. This demand follows the defection of Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement released by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party asserted that Hon. Ibori-Suenu’s defection automatically renders her seat vacant under Section 68 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). This provision states that a member of the Senate or House of Representatives must vacate their seat if they join another political party before the expiration of their elected term.
The PDP contended that Hon. Ibori-Suenu’s actions lead to the forfeiture of her seat, rights, privileges, and recognition as a member of the House of Representatives, as interpreted by the Supreme Court. The party urged her to refrain from presenting herself as a representative to avoid any implications of impersonation, which could have criminal consequences.
Additionally, the PDP has called on the Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly to enforce her removal from the House. They have communicated with INEC to conduct a by-election within the constitutionally mandated timeframe to fill the now-vacant seat in Delta State.
The PDP also directed its National Legal Adviser to initiate legal proceedings to safeguard the votes and mandate of the Ethiope East/Ethiope West constituents, emphasizing that “the votes and mandate of the people… cannot be appropriated by any person or” political party under any guise.”
