APGA moves to unseat Abaribe from Senate

The All Progressives Grand Alliance in Abia State has asked the Senate to declare the seat of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe vacant following his exit from the party. The demand was made during a press briefing held in Umuahia on Thursday by party leaders.

The party explained that Abaribe willingly left the party that supported his election into the Senate. It stated that there was no internal crisis within the party that could justify his move to another political platform. Based on this, the party maintained that constitutional rules require that his seat be declared vacant.

A party leader, Obinna Ichita, said the senator’s decision to leave was voluntary and not forced. He also stated that the claim that the senator was removed from the party was not correct. According to him, records available to the party show that Abaribe resigned months after facing disciplinary action.

The party added that the mandate belongs to both the people and the political party under which the election was won. It noted that the senator cannot transfer that mandate to another party without going through proper steps involving the electorate.

Other party officials, including the state chairman and spokesperson, also said Abaribe had not been active in party affairs for some time. They explained that he was invited to respond to issues but did not attend, which later led to his suspension before his eventual resignation.

In response, Abaribe defended his actions and said he acted within his legal rights. He argued that his suspension from the party meant he was no longer a member, which gave him the freedom to join another party.

He also maintained that removing him from office should follow due process, which includes a recall by his constituents if they no longer support him.

The situation adds to ongoing political disagreements within the state, as both sides continue to defend their positions based on their understanding of the law and party rules.