PDP Declares Ibori-Suenu’s Seat Vacant After Defection to APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially declared the seat of Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, vacant following her defection from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP made the announcement in a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

Ibori-Suenu, who represents the Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, had informed the PDP of her resignation in a letter dated December 5, 2024. In the letter, she cited a “lingering crisis and exclusion” by the PDP’s Delta State chapter as reasons for her decision to switch parties.

The lawmaker’s defection marks a notable shift in Delta State politics, particularly given her prominent family background.

According to the PDP, by defecting to the APC, Ibori-Suenu violated the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, specifically Section 68(1)(g), which mandates that a member of the National Assembly who defects from the political party that sponsored their election automatically vacates their seat. The party referred to the Supreme Court’s interpretation of this constitutional provision, declaring that Ibori-Suenu had “irredeemably lost her seat, rights, privileges, recognition and obligations” as a member of the House.

The PDP further stated that Ibori-Suenu must cease representing herself as a member of the House of Representatives, warning that doing so would amount to “impersonation” and could have legal consequences. The party also called on the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms to take note of her defection.

The PDP has formally requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to begin the process of conducting a by-election to fill the now-vacant seat in the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency. The party also directed its National Legal Adviser to initiate legal action to safeguard the mandate of the voters who had elected Ibori-Suenu under the PDP platform, ensuring that the people’s votes are not appropriated by any person or party.