The All Progressives Grand Alliance has intensified pressure on the Senate to declare the seat of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe vacant, following his exit from the party to join the African Democratic Congress.
The demand was contained in a communiqué issued after the party’s National Working Committee meeting held in Awka, Anambra State, on Friday.
In the statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, the party argued that Abaribe, who represents Abia South Senatorial District, had lost the legal basis to remain in office after defecting from the platform on which he was elected.
APGA described the lawmaker’s action as unlawful and a violation of the trust reposed in him by voters, insisting that the mandate belonged to the party and not the individual occupant.
The party, therefore, urged the Senate leadership under Senate President Godswill Akpabio to apply constitutional provisions by declaring the seat vacant without delay.
Abaribe was among a group of senators, said to be about 10, who announced their defection to the ADC in March, with their notices formally presented during plenary.
Reacting to the development, APGA said such defections undermine democratic principles and weaken party integrity, stressing that elected officials must remain accountable to the platforms that sponsored them.
“The NWC calls on the Senate leadership to enforce the Constitution by declaring the seat vacant, given the clear breach of the mandate granted by the people of Abia South,” the communiqué noted.
While pressing its demand, the party acknowledged the Senate leadership’s stance on upholding constitutional order in matters relating to political defections.
The committee also cautioned its members nationwide to adhere strictly to party discipline, especially as activities ahead of the 2026 primary elections gather momentum, warning that erring officials would face sanctions.
On electoral matters, APGA commended the passage of the Electoral Act 2026, praising President Bola Tinubu for granting swift assent to the bill.
It expressed confidence that the new law would improve electoral certainty and bolster the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 general elections.
The party highlighted reforms such as improved guidelines for party primaries and the digitalisation of membership registers, describing them as steps toward strengthening internal democracy.
As part of its preparations for future polls, the NWC approved the convening of stakeholders’ meetings across the six geopolitical zones and ratified its timetable for the 2026 primaries.
The party also decried the rising insecurity across the country and called on the Federal Government to step up efforts to tackle the situation.
