PDP Moves to Recover Seats from Defectors in National, State Assemblies

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed its National Working Committee (NWC) to initiate immediate legal proceedings to recover the seats of all serving members of the National and State Assemblies who were elected on its platform but have since defected to other political parties.

This directive was issued in a communiqué signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, following the conclusion of the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.

The party said the decision was made to safeguard electoral mandates freely given to the PDP by Nigerians during previous elections.

“The NEC directs the National Working Committee to take immediate steps to commence legal action to recover the seats of all National and State Assembly members who were elected on the platform of the PDP and who have decamped to other political parties,” the communiqué read.

The PDP cited relevant constitutional provisions backing its decision, asserting that elected officials who switch parties without a legitimate division within their original party automatically forfeit their legislative seats.

“By virtue of the self-executory provision of Sections 68 (1)(g) and 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), such defectors have irredeemably lost their seats, there being no division or merger with regard to the PDP,” the statement added.

The party further reaffirmed its commitment to upholding democratic principles and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. It vowed to ensure that mandates entrusted to the PDP by the electorate are not usurped through what it described as “political opportunism.”

This move signals a tougher stance by the PDP against defection, especially as political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 general elections.