The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to declare the Delta North Senatorial seat occupied by Ned Nwoko vacant following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP is also urging the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to fill the seat and to order Nwoko to refund all salaries, allowances, and benefits received since his defection.
Filed on February 27, 2025, the suit lists Nwoko, the Senate President, and INEC as respondents. The party argues that under Section 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, a lawmaker who defects from the party that sponsored their election must vacate their seat.
The PDP is asking the court to affirm that Nwoko is no longer entitled to his Senate position and that the Senate President and INEC are constitutionally obligated to declare his seat vacant and organize a by-election.
The lawsuit seeks an order directing Nwoko to vacate his seat immediately and to refund all financial benefits received since his defection. The case will test the legal standing of party defections in Nigeria’s political landscape.