The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has taken legal action against Rt. Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, over her defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Warri, calls for her seat to be declared vacant. The PDP argues that Ibori-Suenu’s defection violates Section 68 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires lawmakers to vacate their positions if they switch political parties without a valid reason.
In the suit, the PDP has named Ibori-Suenu, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the House itself, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.
The party contends that Ibori-Suenu, having been elected on the PDP platform, no longer has the constitutional right to hold her seat after joining the APC.
The PDP is asking the court to declare her seat vacant, restrain her from further legislative activities, and direct INEC to conduct a fresh election to fill the vacancy.
Additionally, the party seeks an order compelling her to refund all salaries and benefits received since her defection.
Ibori-Suenu, the daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, has not yet issued a public response.
Further developments are expected as the matter proceeds in court.