Civil society advocate has raised alarm over attempts by the Nigerian Senate to declare the seat of Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe (Abia South) vacant following his defection from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement he personally signed Engr. Obi Njoku described the Senate’s action as a “dangerous assault on democratic principles and natural justice,” warning that such moves threaten the independence of legislators and the rights of citizens to be represented freely.
Njoku emphasized that Senator Abaribe’s decision to defect stems from internal crises within his former party—a situation explicitly recognized under Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which allows legislators to switch parties without losing their seats when their original party is in turmoil or divided.
“The Senate’s rush to demand proof of expulsion while ignoring the party’s internal disputes smacks of selective law enforcement and political vendetta,” Njoku said, adding that such actions risk setting a precedent that could intimidate lawmakers and suppress political realignment.
Civil society voices argue that attempts to unseat an elected representative without due process undermine the very foundation of democracy. Senator Abaribe was elected by the people of Abia South, not by any party apparatus alone, and any attempt to disenfranchise his constituents is a direct attack on citizens’ rights.
Njoku called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and lawmakers of conscience to uphold fairness and allow due process to prevail.
He also urged Nigerians, particularly in the Southeast, to remain vigilant against the erosion of democratic norms, and appealed to civil society organizations to closely monitor proceedings to ensure transparency and justice.
“Democracy thrives when elected representatives can operate without fear of harassment and when political evolution is respected,” Njoku said.
He reaffirmed his solidarity with Senator Abaribe, stressing that the matter must be resolved constitutionally and transparently.
Activists argue that civil engagement is key to preserving Nigeria’s democratic institutions. “The people must defend their right to choose who represents them. Any procedural maneuver aimed at disenfranchising constituents should be resisted,” Njoku said.
As the controversy unfolds, civil society continues to call for vigilance, dialogue, and accountability, warning that undermining elected officials’ independence could have long-term consequences for democracy in Nigeria.