Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele says Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s seat may be vacant after defection to ADC, citing Section 68(1b) of the Constitution
The Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Leader, has stated that the seat of Enyinnaya Abaribe should be declared vacant if he is no longer a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Also read: Atiku Aide Slams Senate Over Abaribe Defection Row
Bamidele made the remark during Thursday’s plenary following the defection of Abaribe and eight other senators from the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, and APGA to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He emphasized that the constitution clearly addresses situations where lawmakers leave the political party under which they were elected, citing Section 68(1b).
“It says any circumstance that would have made you ineligible for election under a political party applies here,” Bamidele said.
Despite his position, Bamidele urged Abaribe to reconsider his defection and withdraw the letter announcing it.
He stressed that the Senate cannot accommodate lawmakers who are not aligned with the majority or minority blocs, noting that the creation of a third aisle for unaligned members is not allowed under the constitution.
Also read: APC Appoints Opeyemi Bamidele to Lead Oyebanji’s Re-Election Campaign
The development has sparked debates within the Senate over the legality of defections and the constitutional implications for affected lawmakers.
