A Benue State lawmaker will remain in office after a Federal High Court dismissed a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over the legislator’s move to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
According to Daily Post, the PDP approached the court to challenge the lawmaker’s defection. The party argued that the seat should be declared vacant because the legislator left the platform that sponsored the election.
However, the court found no basis to grant the request. It dismissed the suit, bringing the legal challenge to an end at the trial stage.
The ruling means the lawmaker will continue to represent the constituency under the APC despite leaving the PDP. It also hands the opposition party another setback in its bid to contest recent political defections through the courts.
Political observers have continued to monitor party defections in Benue and other states as preparations for the 2027 general election gather pace. Many of the switches have triggered legal disputes over whether affected lawmakers should keep their seats.
Under Nigeria’s Constitution, an elected lawmaker may retain a seat after changing political parties in certain circumstances. Those conditions have remained a key issue in several court cases involving defections.
Meanwhile, the latest judgment strengthens the lawmaker’s position in the Benue State House of Assembly. Although the PDP may still appeal the decision, the ruling remains valid unless it is overturned by a higher court.
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The decision is expected to attract fresh attention as political parties continue to reposition ahead of the next election cycle, with more legal battles over defections likely in the coming months.
