DEFECTION OF HON. ROWLAND DENIS FROM THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)*
The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abia State Chapter, has been drawn to the recent defection of Hon. Rowland Denis from our great party to another political party. While our party respects the democratic rights of individuals to freedom of association, we strongly condemn the unethical and unconstitutional attempt by Hon. Denis to retain the legislative seat secured through the mandate of the PDP.
Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) clearly stipulates that any member of a legislative house who defects from the party on whose platform he was elected must vacate their seat unless there is a clear division or merger in the original party. No such division or merger exists within our party. Hon. Denis’s action is therefore not only politically unethical but clearly unconstitutional.
Consequently, the Abia State PDP has resolved to immediately:
1. Write formally to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially inform the Commission of Hon. Rowland Denis’s defection and demand that INEC declares his seat vacant without further delay.
2. Institute immediate legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to ensure that the constitutional provisions protecting the integrity of our democratic system are strictly upheld.
The PDP is committed to safeguarding the mandate of our party and defending the electoral trust bestowed upon us by the good people of Abia State. We assure all party members and the general public that we will continue to uphold constitutional democracy and electoral integrity.
Signed:
Eric Dwyse Ikwuagwu
State Publicity Secretary
ABIA PDP
25/01/2025.
