The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of four members of the Osun State House of Assembly who recently defected from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In the suit lodged before the Federal High Court in Osogbo, the PDP argued that the lawmakers lost their seats the moment they abandoned the platform through which they were elected, insisting that their defection was unconstitutional and a betrayal of the mandate given to them by the electorate.
The party maintained that the lawmakers’ action contravened provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that an elected legislator must vacate their position if they leave the party under which they won an election, unless in the case of a division within that party. PDP stressed that no such division existed within its fold.
The legal action comes amid growing political tension in Osun, as the party moves to protect its majority in the Assembly. PDP leaders said the defection undermines democratic principles and accused the defectors of “political opportunism” motivated by personal interests rather than service to the people.
Court filings show that the PDP is asking for a declaration that the lawmakers’ seats are vacant and for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh elections in the affected constituencies.
The case is expected to test once again the judiciary’s interpretation of constitutional provisions on party defection, an issue that has repeatedly shaped Nigeria’s political landscape.
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