Delta Assembly declares lawmaker’s seat vacant for defecting from APC 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 defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

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The decision was taken during plenary on Tuesday, June 30, after lawmakers unanimously adopted a motion presented by the House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Arthur Akpowowo.

Presiding over the session, Speaker Hon. Emomotimi Guwor said the declaration was made in accordance with Section 109(1)(g) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that a lawmaker who defects from the political party under which they were elected forfeits their seat, except in circumstances recognised 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,” Guwor said.

The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House to formally notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities, while requesting the electoral body to conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seat in line with Section 116(2) of the Constitution.

Presenting the motion, Nwaobi said documentary evidence before the House confirmed that Egbetamah had resigned from the APC and joined the NDC while still serving as a member of the Assembly. He cited Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution, which stipulates that a legislator must vacate their seat if they become a member of another political party before the expiration of their tenure, except where constitutional exceptions apply.

Earlier, the Speaker read Egbetamah’s resignation letter dated June 19, 2026, in which the lawmaker disclosed that he resigned from the APC on April 30, 2026, saying the decision was made to pursue his political aspirations. In the letter, Egbetamah also expressed appreciation to the APC and its stakeholders for the support they gave him during his time in the party.