PDP Faces Political Crossroads as 82 Lawmakers Defect to APC, Legal Action Looms
A major storm is brewing within Nigeria’s political landscape as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) grapples with mass defections of its elected representatives to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The crisis has intensified with 82 lawmakers—federal and state—defecting since 2023, raising critical questions about party mandates and electoral integrity.
At the center of the PDP’s growing concern is Delta State, where Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection to APC has deeply shaken the party’s power base. The PDP now seeks to challenge these defections in court, aiming to reclaim what it describes as “stolen mandates” won under the PDP ticket.
Following a six-hour emergency meeting in Abuja, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) resolved to pursue legal action anchored on Section 68 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution. This clause mandates lawmakers to vacate their seats if they defect, unless their party is shown to be divided.
“We’ve instructed the National Legal Adviser to reclaim the mandates that were taken from us,” PDP National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum said, asserting that the party remains the rightful owner of the contested political seats.
However, legal experts warn that the move against Governor Oborevwori remains untested and could face strong constitutional hurdles.
Breakdown of Defections:
- Senators: 4
- House of Representatives members: 19
- Delta State lawmakers: 22
- Rivers State lawmakers: 26
- Edo State lawmakers: 7
- Abia State lawmakers: 4
Prominent defectors include Ned Nwoko, Victor Nwokolo, and Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, among others.
Delta in Focus:
The PDP’s legal battle is, for now, narrowly focused on Delta State, where it hopes to reclaim dominance. South-South Zonal Chairman Emma Ogidi has been appointed to stabilize the region, while National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade is expected to file the case.
Despite the tough stance, there’s no timeline or SAN (Senior Advocate of Nigeria) team announced, and internal divisions persist within the party ranks.
Expert Opinions:
- Dr. Tunji Abayomi (Legal Expert):
“The law is clearer for legislators than governors. Courts may hesitate to unseat a governor over defection.” - Dr. Chidi Nwaobia (Political Analyst):
“The PDP is gambling its future. A win could restore its authority; a loss may deepen its crisis.”
A Party on the Edge:
With legal filings still pending, the PDP’s strategy is seen as both bold and desperate. While the APC continues to absorb defectors and consolidate power, many question if Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state.
For now, the defectors remain in office, and the PDP’s legal efforts are limited to Delta. But the outcome of this looming battle could reshape Nigeria’s democratic norms, testing whether mandates truly belong to parties or the electorate.
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