The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has filed a lawsuit against Erhiatake Ibori-Sueni, the daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The suit, filed on December 11, 2024, at the Federal High Court in Warri, also names the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as co-defendants.
Erhiatake, who represents the Ethiope-East/Ethiope-West Federal Constituency, is accused of breaching Section 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution by switching political parties after being elected on the PDP platform.
PDP’s Demands:
- Immediate vacation of Erhiatake’s House of Representatives seat.
- A perpetual injunction restraining her from performing legislative duties under the APC.
- An order compelling INEC to conduct a by-election to fill the vacancy.
- Refund of all salaries and emoluments received since her defection.
The PDP argues that the Constitution clearly mandates the forfeiture of a legislative seat upon defection, barring party mergers or crises. The party claims that no such circumstances apply to Erhiatake’s case and is seeking the court’s interpretation of the constitutional provision.
The legal action underscores the PDP’s efforts to hold defectors accountable and prevent further erosion of its legislative representation.
