Opposition coalition demands legal review of Sonko’s mandate

The Front for the Defence of Democracy and the Republic (FDR) has escalated its opposition to Ousmane Sonko’s presence in the Niger National Assembly, calling for the immediate annulment of his parliamentary mandate. In a strongly worded statement released yesterday, the coalition argues that the legal provisions enabling his return to the legislative chamber violate both the Constitution and the Electoral Code. It has also urged nationwide mobilisation to uphold the integrity of Niger’s republican institutions.

Coalition accuses government party of parliamentary coup

The FDR intensified its rhetoric, claiming that Ousmane Sonko—now serving as President of the National Assembly—holds his seat unlawfully. The coalition’s leadership condemned what it described as a « parliamentary coup attempt » orchestrated by the Pastef party. It pointed to a joint declaration signed by 147 political parties and civil society groups on 24 May, which denounced the controversial circumstances surrounding Sonko’s reinstatement.

The opposition has also welcomed the decision of opposition MPs to file a constitutional challenge against the legality of the process that allowed Sonko to reclaim his seat after leaving the government. At the heart of the dispute is the interpretation of constitutional and electoral provisions governing the parliamentary mandate of government members. The FDR insists that Article LO172 of the Electoral Code clearly states that a minister elected as a deputy forfeits their parliamentary seat if they fail to resign from government within eight days. According to the coalition, Sonko’s reliance on internal Assembly rules to regain his mandate is legally unfounded.

Legal experts debate constitutional validity

The coalition argues that the recent amendment to the Assembly’s internal regulations cannot override the need for an organic law—one it claims is the only legitimate instrument to regulate the reintegration of government members into parliament. In the FDR’s view, this reform breaches the Constitution, the Electoral Code, and even the Assembly’s own procedural rules. The group is demanding the nullification of the legal act that enabled Sonko’s return, insisting he « cannot lawfully serve as a deputy » and urging competent authorities to enforce the consequences.

The FDR dismissed recent remarks by the Pastef leader linking the opposition’s constitutional challenge to an alleged attempt by the President to sideline him politically. Stressing that the issue transcends partisan divides, the coalition framed its stance as a defence of « democracy and the Republic » and called on all national stakeholders to unite behind a strategy to prevent what it calls a systemic violation of the country’s laws and institutions.

The timing of the FDR’s statement coincides with an imminent ruling from the Constitutional Council on the contested provisions. Both government and opposition circles are closely monitoring the court’s decision, which is expected to clarify the delicate balance of power between the executive and legislative branches in Niger’s political landscape.