Udu State Constituency Loses Delta Assembly Seat After Lawmaker Defects from APC to NDC

The Delta State House of Assembly has declared vacant the seat of the member representing Udu State Constituency, Hon. Collins Egbetamah, 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 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 continued membership of another political party while serving as a legislator was inconsistent with constitutional provisions governing legislative seats.

Citing Section 109(1)(g) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Speaker formally declared the Udu State Constituency seat vacant with immediate effect.

According to Guwor, the House was satisfied that all constitutional conditions for the declaration had been met.

“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 officially notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities of the resolution and requested the electoral body to initiate the constitutional process for a by-election in line with Section 116(2) of the Constitution.

Presenting the motion before the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi explained that documentary evidence available to lawmakers confirmed that Egbetamah had resigned his membership of the APC and joined the NDC while still occupying his legislative seat.

He noted that Section 109(1)(g) clearly provides that any lawmaker elected on the platform of a political party shall vacate his or her seat upon becoming a member of another political party before the expiration of tenure, except under circumstances specifically recognised by the Constitution.

Before the motion was considered, the Speaker had read a resignation letter dated June 19, 2026, in which Egbetamah informed the House that he had resigned from the APC on April 30, 2026, to pursue his political ambitions.

In the letter, the lawmaker appreciated the APC and party stakeholders for their support during his political journey.

With the declaration, Udu State Constituency becomes vacant pending a by-election to elect a new representative into the Delta State House of Assembly.