The Kwara State House of Assembly has declared the seats of two lawmakers vacant following their defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The affected lawmakers are Saaba Gideon, representing Edu State Constituency, and Olusola Odetundun, representing Irepodun State Constituency. The decision was taken during Tuesday’s plenary after the APC Chairman in Kwara State, Sunday Fagbemi, petitioned the Assembly to invoke Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution against the two lawmakers.

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Fagbemi argued that Gideon and Odetundun were elected on the APC platform and could not retain their seats after defecting to another political party. He further contended that the circumstances surrounding their defections did not fall within the constitutional exceptions that permit lawmakers to change parties without forfeiting their seats.

During the debate, the Leader of the House, Oba Mogaji, said the Assembly was obligated to apply the relevant constitutional provision. He cited Section 109(1)(g), which provides restrictions on a member of a State House of Assembly belonging to a political party other than the one that sponsored the member when elected.

Mogaji said both lawmakers had moved to the PDP and were reportedly preparing to contest the 2027 elections under the opposition party. He therefore supported the request for their seats to be declared vacant.

Other lawmakers, including Abolarin Gabriel of Ekiti Constituency, Ganiyu Folabi of Omupo Constituency and Adato Oguniyi of Ojomu/Balogun Constituency, also backed the move.

Following the debate, Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu declared the two seats vacant, saying the decision was based on the resolution reached by the House.

The PDP, however, rejected the Assembly’s action, accusing the lawmakers of using constitutional powers for political purposes. The party, through its state Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, also questioned the process through which the matter was brought before the House.

The PDP particularly criticised the fact that the case originated from a letter written by the state APC chairman, arguing that a party chairman should not be in a position to determine the fate of elected lawmakers representing specific constituencies.

“If the APC is confident of its popularity, it should face the electorate instead of attempting to remove its former members through parliamentary manoeuvring,” the PDP said.

Adewara added that the PDP would resist any attempt to use the legislature to intimidate or politically persecute its members.

“The PDP will not accept any attempt to use the legislature to intimidate or politically persecute its members and will deploy every lawful and constitutional means available, including judicial action, to protect the rights of Odetundun, Saba and the constituents they represent,” he said.

The development is expected to heighten political tension in Kwara ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the PDP indicating that it may challenge the Assembly’s decision in court.