A former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party, Jacob Mark, has stated that Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa state should be removed from office following his resignation from the party. Mark made this statement during an interview on Arise Television, which was monitored by Media Talk Africa.

Governor Diri had resigned from the opposition party last week, shortly after his Enugu counterpart, Peter Mbah, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress. According to Mark, the Nigerian constitution clearly states that an individual cannot contest elections without being sponsored by a political party, and by implication, they cannot occupy an elective office without a political party.

Mark emphasized that the constitution’s stipulation underscores the importance of political parties in the country’s electoral process. He noted that the current trend, where individuals seem to be more powerful than the parties they represent, is problematic. Mark described this phenomenon as individuals becoming “like warlords” who make decisions without regard for the parties they belong to or the people they serve.

The development has sparked interest in the implications of Governor Diri’s resignation on his position as governor. Mark’s statement highlights the potential constitutional implications of an elected official leaving their party while still in office. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the parties involved will respond and what the eventual outcome will be for Governor Diri and the people of Bayelsa state.

In the context of Nigerian politics, the relationship between elected officials and their parties is crucial. The country’s electoral laws and constitution emphasize the role of parties in sponsoring candidates for office. The resignation of a governor from their party raises questions about their continued legitimacy and authority to hold office. As the matter progresses, it is likely to be closely watched by political observers and the public, given its potential to set a precedent for similar situations in the future.