The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has filed a lawsuit against Erhiatake Ibori-Sueni, the member representing Ethiope-East/Ethiope-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ibori-Sueni is the daughter of former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori.
The PDP’s suit, filed on December 11, 2024, by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Ayo Asala, also names the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.
In the originating summons, the PDP prayed the Federal High Court in Warri to declare Ibori-Sueni’s seat vacant, citing Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates lawmakers to vacate their seats if they defect from the political party under which they were elected.
The party further sought an order compelling INEC to conduct a fresh election to fill the seat and requested a perpetual injunction restraining Ibori-Sueni from parading herself as the representative of the constituency.
The PDP argued that Ibori-Sueni’s defection violated the constitution, as she was elected on its platform but has now joined another political party.
They also demanded the refund of all salaries, allowances, and emoluments received by her since her defection.
The court has given the lawmaker 30 days from the date of service to respond to the summons and enter an appearance.
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