A Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, dismissed a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking to declare the seat of Hon. Dennis Chinwendu Roland vacant following his defection from the PDP to the Labour Party (LP).
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The PDP had approached the court, relying on Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that any legislator who defects from the political party under which he was elected, without a division or merger within the party, automatically loses his seat.
According to the suit, the party prayed the court to declare the seat vacant and direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye-election in line with constitutional provisions.
Delivering judgment, Justice S.B. Onu dismissed the case, citing lack of diligent prosecution and insufficient interest shown by the plaintiff in pursuing the matter.
The court also noted that both the plaintiff and the defence failed to appear during the last adjourned sitting despite hearing notices having been issued to all parties involved in the matter.
Parties joined in the suit included the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly.
Hon. Dennis Chinwendu Roland currently represents Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly under the Labour Party.
