PDP Takes Ned Nwoko to Court, Demands His Senate Seat Be Declared Vacant

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dragged Senator Ned Nwoko to the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to have his seat declared vacant following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the suit, PDP argues that Nwoko, who was elected to represent Delta North under its platform, automatically forfeited his seat upon leaving the party. The party is asking the court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to replace him.

Filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/454/2025, the legal challenge lists Senator Nwoko as the first defendant, with the Senate President and INEC as co-defendants.

Beyond seeking Nwoko’s removal, PDP is also demanding that he return all salaries, allowances, and benefits received from the moment he defected to the APC.

Citing Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), PDP insists that Nwoko’s defection mandates an automatic loss of his Senate seat. It also calls on the Senate leadership and INEC to fulfill their constitutional duty by officially declaring the seat vacant and setting a by-election in motion.

The case is expected to set a precedent for party defections and their legal consequences in Nigeria’s political landscape.