APGA Asks Senate To Declare Abaribe’s Seat Vacant Over Defection

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State has urged the Senate to declare the seat of Enyinnaya Abaribe vacant, citing his resignation from the party that sponsored his election.

At a press briefing in Umuahia, party leaders led by Obinna Ichita said Abaribe’s defection violates constitutional provisions, insisting there was no internal crisis to justify his exit.

They argued that the mandate belongs to the party and electorate, not the individual lawmaker, and called on him to vacate the seat.

“The senator resigned in his ward. He did so voluntarily, which is his right. However, if you leave the party that gave you the platform for another party when there is no leadership crisis, that seat must be declared vacant,” he said.

However, Abaribe maintained he acted within his rights, claiming his indefinite suspension amounted to expulsion and stressing that only his constituents can remove him through a recall process.