“My Defection is Constitutional” -Ibori-Suenu

The lawmaker representing the Ethiope East/West Federal Constituency of Delta State, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, has defended her recent defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that her decision complies with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, and therefore, there is no need for her seat to be declared vacant.

Ibori-Suenu has filed an affidavit in support of her claim, outlining the reasons behind her departure from the PDP. The affidavit was submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Clerk of the House, and the PDP listed as defendants in the case.

The lawmaker cited prolonged internal crises within the PDP as the primary reason for her defection. She explained that the party had been plagued by unresolved leadership conflicts, which worsened following the 2023 presidential election primaries and the subsequent selection of the party’s vice-presidential candidate. The disputes within the PDP led to a division among key party figures, including the formation of the “G-5” group—consisting of former Governors Nyesom Wike, Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Seyi Makinde, and Okezie Ikpeazu.

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Ibori-Suenu further stated that the party’s internal divisions were worsened by the inability to resolve leadership issues at the national level, particularly after a High Court ruling restrained the party’s national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, from performing his duties. This led to the appointment of an Acting National Chairman, which she argued further fueled discontent within the party.

She also highlighted a series of suspensions and counter-suspensions within the PDP’s National Working Committee in October 2024, which demonstrated the growing rift.

Supporters of PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, called for disciplinary action against members of the Wike camp for alleged anti-party activities, while Wike’s supporters made similar calls against Abubakar and his allies.