The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to initiate the process of conducting a new election to fill the vacant seat for the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, following the defection of Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This call came on the heels of Thursday’s defection of four Labour Party members in the House of Representatives—Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), and Iyawe Esosa (Edo)—to the APC. Ibori-Suenu also joined the APC, ending her affiliation with the PDP.
In a statement issued on Friday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that according to constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court’s interpretation, Ibori-Suenu’s defection had resulted in the permanent loss of her seat, privileges, and recognition as a member of the House of Representatives.
“The PDP demands that INEC immediately begin the process of conducting a fresh election to fill the vacant seat in the House of Representatives,” Ologunagba stated.
“Her defection from the PDP has automatically vacated the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency seat in line with Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
Ologunagba further emphasized that Ibori-Suenu should no longer present herself as a sitting member of the House of Representatives, warning that any attempt to do so would amount to impersonation and may attract legal repercussions.
The PDP also urged the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms to ensure that Ibori-Suenu is no longer recognized as a member of the House.
