A Federal High Court in Abuja has removed Abubakar Suleiman Gummi from his position in the House of Representatives following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The judgment, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, ordered that Gummi’s seat be declared vacant and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 30 days to fill the position.
The court also restrained the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, from further recognising Gummi as a member of the House.
The case, filed by the PDP and its state chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, challenged Gummi’s defection, arguing that it violated Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution since there was no internal division within the PDP at the time he switched parties.
They also sought a declaration that the Speaker acted unlawfully by failing to declare the seat vacant.
In his defence, Gummi claimed he left the PDP due to unresolved crises at both national and local levels, saying the conflicts prevented him from effectively representing his constituents.
However, the court dismissed his argument, ruling that his defection breached constitutional provisions.
Justice Egwuatu granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs and ordered Gummi to refund all salaries and allowances he had received since October 30, 2024, until the date of judgment.
He further directed that proof of repayment be submitted to the court within 30 days.
The judge also condemned the frequent practice of political defections in Nigeria, warning that elected officials cannot transfer the mandate of one party to another.
He said the law was designed to punish such actions and ensure accountability to voters.
In addition to losing his seat, Gummi was fined N500,000 in favour of the PDP and its state chairman.
This is how it should be, when an elected person defect to another party, he or she loses the position. I hail this judgement.