PDP Loses Court Case to Unseat Benue Lawmaker Attah

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost a legal battle to unseat Anthony Attah, a member of the Benue State House of Assembly representing Okpokwu Constituency, following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the case on Tuesday, presided over by Justice Muhammed Umar, in judgment suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2408/2025.

Justice Umar noted that while Attah did not deny his defection, the court lacked the authority to declare his seat vacant, a power reserved for the Speaker and the House of Assembly. The PDP had sought to determine if votes cast for Attah could be transferred to another party and argued that his continued occupation of the seat was unlawful.

Justice Umar clarified that the constitutional procedure for declaring the seat vacant had not been followed, emphasizing that the House of Assembly must first act before the court could intervene. The judge dismissed the PDP's application, stating it had no merit.