DEFECTION: Abia PDP to Reclaim Isuikwuato State Constituency Seat
The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abia State Chapter, has been drawn to the recent defection of Hon. Lucky Udoka Johnson, member Representing Isuikwuato State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly from our great party to another political party.
While our party respects the democratic rights of individuals to freedom of association, we strongly condemn any attempt by Hon. Johnson to continue retaining the legislative seat secured through the mandate of the PDP.
Section 109 (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. Therefore, Hon. Johnson’s action is not only politically unethical but clearly unconstitutional.
The PDP is a party of law and order, therefore, shall fight to uphold section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If for nothing, the defection of the 27 Law makers of Rivers State House of Assembly has continued to generate multiple constitutional crisis for the state and the country, Abia PDP is determined therefore, never to allow Abia State degenerate into any form of crisis by the action of one man who is pursuing his private interest.
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. Lucky Udoka Johnson’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 Isuikwuato State Constituency. We assure all party members and the general public that we will continue to uphold constitutional democracy and electoral integrity.
Signed:
Eric Ikwuagwu
State Publicity Secretary
