Legal and political experts back the PDP's efforts to challenge recent defections, including those of Governor Oborevwori and former Governor Okowa, as the party seeks to uphold constitutional mandates.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is intensifying its response to a wave of high-profile defections in Delta State, where Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and several other key figures have reportedly joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a significant legal move, the PDP has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to declare the seat of Senator Ned Nwoko vacant following his defection to the APC. The party argues that such defections violate Section 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates that lawmakers who switch parties without a division in their original party must relinquish their seats.
The mass defections have prompted the Delta State chapter of the PDP to convene an emergency meeting with Governor Oborevwori's political aides. The meeting, led by State PDP Chairman Solomon Areyinka, aims to address the internal crisis and strategize on retaining the party's influence in the state.
Amidst these developments, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of the APC has publicly stated that Governor Oborevwori and former Governor Okowa are not welcome in the APC, urging them to remain in the PDP. He emphasized that the APC is open to other defectors but not to individuals he described as having questionable records.
The PDP's legal and political maneuvers underscore its determination to uphold constitutional provisions and maintain its political stronghold in Delta State. As the situation unfolds, the party's actions may set significant precedents for handling political defections in Nigeria.
0 Comments