Speaker Danladi plans illegal suspension of lawmaker who defected to opposition party, Kwara PDP raises alarm

…says move could deny Irepodun, Edu constituents fair representation

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised the alarm over an alleged plan to suspend two members of the Kwara State House of Assembly who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition party.

The lawmakers, Hon. Olushola Odetundun, representing Irepodun State Constituency, and Hon. Saba Yisa Gideon, representing Edu State Constituency, recently joined the PDP and secured the party’s tickets to contest the forthcoming rerun elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP said it had received reports alleging that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had directed the Speaker of the House of Assembly and APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi, to commence proceedings against the lawmakers.

The party warned that any attempt to suspend the lawmakers solely because of their political affiliation would amount to political intolerance and an abuse of legislative powers.

“We therefore advise Governor AbdulRazaq and the Speaker, in the interest of democracy and the rule of law, to perish any thought or plan to use the machinery of the Kwara State House of Assembly to punish Hon. Odetundun and Hon. Saba for their political decision,” the statement said.

The PDP argued that membership of a political party does not, in itself, constitute misconduct in the discharge of legislative responsibilities, stressing that the lawmakers should be allowed to continue representing their constituencies.

It said any suspension motivated by their defection could deprive residents of Irepodun and Edu constituencies of effective representation in the Assembly.

The opposition party acknowledged the constitutional authority of the House to regulate its internal affairs, but said such powers must be exercised within the limits of the Constitution and the rule of law.

“The emergence of a pluralistic political representation in the Assembly should rather be seen as an opportunity to deepen democracy, strengthen legislative accountability and restore public confidence in the institution,” the PDP said.

The party also challenged Danladi, who is seeking to succeed AbdulRazaq as governor in 2027, to demonstrate tolerance for political dissent and respect for opposition voices.

“A man who aspires to govern a diverse state like Kwara must demonstrate tolerance for political dissent, respect for opposition and commitment to democratic institutions,” it said.

The PDP called on the governor and the Speaker to abandon any alleged plan to suspend the lawmakers, warning that it would use “every lawful and constitutional means” to challenge any action it considers capable of undermining democracy or disenfranchising the affected constituencies.

The party said it would closely monitor developments surrounding the lawmakers and respond through lawful channels if any disciplinary action is initiated against them.