Delta Assembly Declares Udu Lawmaker’s Seat Vacant Over Defection to NDC

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 subsequent defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The decision was taken during plenary on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 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. The session was presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.

Announcing the resolution, Speaker Guwor said the House acted in accordance with Section 109(1)(g) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which provides for the vacation of a legislative seat when a lawmaker defects from the political party on whose platform he or she was elected, except in 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. The Speaker also urged INEC to initiate the constitutional process for the conduct of a by-election to fill the vacant seat in line with Section 116(2) of the Constitution.

Presenting the motion titled “Consideration of the Letter from Honourable Member Representing Udu State Constituency Pursuant to Section 109 of the Constitution,” Nwaobi informed the House that documentary evidence confirmed Egbetamah’s resignation from the APC and his membership of the NDC while still serving as a legislator.

He emphasized that Section 109(1)(g) clearly stipulates that a member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat if he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of his tenure after being elected on the platform of a different party.

Earlier in the proceedings, Speaker Guwor read Egbetamah’s resignation letter dated June 19, 2026. In the letter, the lawmaker disclosed that he had resigned from the APC on April 30, 2026, citing his desire to pursue his political aspirations through another platform.

Egbetamah also expressed appreciation to the APC and its stakeholders for the support he received during his time in the party.