The call by Senator Ighoyota Amori of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu’s House of Representatives seat vacant has drawn sharp rebuttals from key All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders.
Amori’s demand followed Ibori-Suenu’s defection from the PDP to the APC, a move that has reshaped the political dynamics in the Ethiope Federal Constituency.
In a swift reaction, Chief Wilson Omene, an APC chieftain from Mosogar, Ethiope West, described Amori’s statement as hypocritical and baseless.
According to Omene, “Amori lacks the moral standing to make such a call. He is impersonating by calling himself a Senator. This is someone whose senatorial stint was marred by a court ruling that declared his election fraudulent. How can he, as a beneficiary of a flawed system, claim the right to demand accountability from others?”
Omene further accused the PDP of fostering internal disunity and authoritarian practices, arguing that these issues have driven members like Hon. Ibori-Suenu to seek refuge in more democratic platforms.
“The PDP has a long history of undemocratic decisions and infighting. Hon. Ibori-Suenu’s defection is not about the party but about her commitment to serving her constituents, many of whom are not PDP members,” he asserted.
The APC chieftain also pointed that the process for declaring a legislative seat vacant is governed by law, not partisan whims.
Omene argued that Amori’s call lacks legal merit, as Hon. Ibori-Suenu’s mandate extends beyond the PDP. “She was elected by the people, not the party. Attempting to recall her without broad-based support is not only undemocratic but also doomed to fail,” he added.
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Also speaking, Chief Williams Makinde, another prominent figure who defected alongside Ibori-Suenu, also dismissed Amori’s position. Makinde argued that the PDP’s internal divisions at the national and ward levels created a valid basis for their departure, as outlined in the party’s constitution.
He said, “When a party is in disarray, members have the constitutional right to leave. Amori should focus on addressing the PDP’s problems rather than making baseless accusations.”
Makinde criticized Amori’s political relevance, describing him as a “general without soldiers.” He suggested that Amori’s outburst reflects his frustration over losing influence within the constituency.
“We respect him as an elder, but his political clout is gone. Instead of lamenting, he should reconcile with those who once supported him,” Makinde advised.
The APC stakeholders also questioned his motivations, suggesting that his demands were politically driven rather than grounded in public interest.
“This is not about principles; it’s about Amori trying to reclaim lost political ground. Unfortunately for him, the APC is now the party of progress in Ethiope.We are ready to meet the PDP in court or any other forum. Hon. Ibori-Suenu’s defection is legitimate, and she remains committed to her constituents,” Makinde remarked.
