The Delta State House of Assembly has declared the seat of the member representing Udu State Constituency, Collins Egbetamah, vacant following his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The decision was taken during Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers unanimously adopted a motion moved by the House Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Arthur Akpowowo. The session was presided over by the Speaker, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Announcing the decision, Speaker Guwor said the House acted in accordance with Section 109(1)(g) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides for the loss of a legislative seat when a lawmaker defects from the political party under which he was elected without any constitutionally recognised justification.
“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 declared.
The Speaker further directed the Clerk of the House to formally communicate the resolution to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities, while requesting the electoral body to commence the constitutional process for a by-election in line with Section 116(2) of the Constitution.
Earlier, while presenting the motion titled, “Consideration of the Letter from Honourable Member Representing Udu State Constituency Pursuant to Section 109 of the Constitution,” House Leader Emeka Nwaobi told lawmakers that documentary evidence before the Assembly confirmed that Egbetamah had dumped the APC for the NDC while still serving as a member of the House.
Nwaobi relied on Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution, which stipulates that a legislator elected on the platform of a political party shall vacate his seat upon becoming a member of another political party before the expiration of his tenure, except in circumstances expressly provided for by the Constitution.
Before the motion was considered, Speaker Guwor read Egbetamah’s resignation letter dated June 19, 2026, in which the lawmaker disclosed that he had resigned his membership of the APC on April 30, 2026, to pursue his political ambitions under the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
In the letter, Egbetamah expressed appreciation to the APC and party stakeholders for the support they gave him during his time in the party.
