ASABA, NIGERIA — The Delta State House of Assembly has declared the seat of the member representing Udu State Constituency, Hon. Collins Egbetamah, vacant following his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The decision was reached during plenary on Tuesday after the House unanimously adopted a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo.
Presiding over the session, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, ruled that Egbetamah’s defection contravened the provisions of Section 109(1)(g) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which stipulates that a legislator elected on the platform of a political party shall vacate his seat if he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of his tenure, except under circumstances recognized by the Constitution.
“Accordingly, this Honourable House is satisfied that the constitutional requirements under Section 109 of the Constitution have been fulfilled. Therefore, pursuant to Section 109(1) and (2), I hereby declare the seat of the Honourable Member representing Udu State Constituency vacant with immediate effect,” the Speaker stated.
He subsequently directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the resolution to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities, while requesting the electoral body to commence constitutional procedures for the conduct of a by-election to fill the vacant seat in accordance with Section 116(2) of the Constitution.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Nwaobi informed lawmakers that documentary evidence before the House confirmed that Egbetamah had formally resigned from the APC and joined the NDC while still serving as a member of the Assembly.
The Speaker had earlier read a letter dated June 19, 2026, in which Egbetamah notified the House of his resignation from the APC, stating that he left the party on April 30, 2026, to pursue his political aspirations.
In the letter, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the APC and its stakeholders for their support during his membership of the party.
The development has paved the way for a by-election in Udu State Constituency as political activities begin to intensify ahead of future electoral contests in Delta State.
