PDP demands court kicks out lawmaker for defecting to apc — legal battle heats up in osun
The political drama in Osun just took a major twist on Monday, May 26 as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to remove Rep. Oluwole Oke from his seat representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency — all because he switched to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a fresh lawsuit filed by PDP’s lead lawyer, Raphael Oyewole, the party wants the court to order the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to immediately declare Oke’s seat vacant. This request is based on Section 68(1)(g) and (2) of Nigeria’s Constitution, which says a lawmaker loses their seat if they defect without a party split, merger, or faction.
The PDP also wants the court to direct Abbas and INEC (the Independent National Electoral Commission) to start the process for a bye-election in the constituency, so voters can choose a new representative.
But that’s not all. The party is pushing for the Clerk of the National Assembly to stop all payments to Oke, including salary and allowances. They also want Oke to refund all earnings he got after quitting PDP — since they claim he has no legal right to keep the seat.
This legal action is part of case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1040/2025, where PDP sued Oke, the House Speaker, the Clerk of NASS, and INEC. The party posed several important legal questions, like whether Oke should lose his seat for defecting without a valid reason recognized by the Constitution.
Oke, who’s been elected six times to represent Obokun/Oriade, said he left the PDP after consulting with his friends, family, and political allies. His resignation letter is dated April 16 and was sent to local and national PDP leaders.
Meanwhile, the race to fill the seat is already heating up. Well-known lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi has announced his interest in running for the Obokun/Oriade seat and is already reaching out to voters.
