ASABA — The Delta State House of Assembly has declared the seat of the member representing Udu State Constituency, Hon. Collins Egbetamah, vacant following his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The House also directed its Clerk to formally notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence the constitutional process for the conduct of a bye-election to fill the vacant seat.
The decision was reached during plenary after lawmakers unanimously adopted a motion presented by the House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Arthur Akpowowo. The session was presided over by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor.
Declaring the seat vacant, the Speaker said the House acted in accordance with 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 lawmaker elected on the platform of one political party shall vacate his or her seat upon becoming a member of another political party before the expiration of the tenure, 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,” Speaker Guwor ruled.»
He further directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the resolution to INEC and other relevant authorities, requesting the electoral body to take the necessary constitutional steps to conduct a bye-election in line with Section 116(2) of the Constitution.
While presenting the motion titled, “Consideration of the Letter from the Honourable Member Representing Udu State Constituency Pursuant to Section 109 of the Constitution,” House Leader Emeka Nwaobi said documentary evidence before the Assembly confirmed that Egbetamah had resigned from the APC and joined the NDC while still serving as a member of the House.
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, to pursue his political aspirations.
In the letter, Egbetamah expressed appreciation to the APC and its leadership for the support and opportunities extended to him during his membership of the party.
The development paves the way for a bye-election in Udu State Constituency, subject to the actions of INEC in compliance with the constitutional provisions governing legislative vacancies.