The Kaduna State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately declare vacant the seats of three members of the State House of Assembly and one member of the House of Representatives who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Maria Dogo, the PDP condemned the defections, particularly by sitting lawmakers elected under its platform, describing the actions as a flagrant betrayal of the trust and mandate placed in them by the people. The party termed these defections not only unacceptable but also unconstitutional.
Citing Sections 68(1)(g) and 109 of the Constitution, which stipulate that legislators who defect from the party under which they were elected must vacate their seats, the PDP called on the Speakers of the House of Representatives and the Kaduna State House of Assembly to declare the seats of the four defecting lawmakers vacant and notify INEC for the immediate conduct of bye-elections.
“While we acknowledge the constitutional right of every Nigerian to freedom of association, these defections are a clear violation of the law and an affront to the electorate who entrusted these representatives with their votes,” the party stated.
The PDP further assured the people of Kaduna State, especially those from the affected constituencies, that it would invoke the constitutional provisions to reclaim its mandates.
The party reiterated that there is no division or leadership dispute within its ranks at the national level and vowed to remain steadfast in its commitment to the people.
Despite the defections, the PDP remains confident in its broad support base and steadfast leadership, asserting that it continues to be the party of choice for the majority of the people of Kaduna State.
