Politics
Why Delta Assembly Sacked Udu Lawmaker Collins Egbetamah
The Delta State House of Assembly has declared the seat of the member representing Udu State Constituency, Hon. Collins Egbetamah, vacant after he resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The decision was taken during plenary on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, following the adoption of a motion moved by the House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, and unanimously approved by lawmakers.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, said the declaration was made in line with Section 109(1)(g) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that a legislator elected on the platform of one political party automatically loses his seat upon joining another political party, 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 stated.
The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the resolution to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities, requesting the commission to conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seat in line with Section 116(2) of the Constitution.
Presenting the motion, Nwaobi said documents before the House confirmed that Egbetamah defected from the APC to the NDC while still serving as a member of the Assembly.
Earlier, the Speaker read Egbetamah’s resignation letter dated June 19, 2026, in which the lawmaker disclosed that he had resigned from the APC on April 30, 2026, to pursue his political aspirations. He also expressed appreciation to the APC and its stakeholders for their support during his time in the party.
The development paves the way for INEC to begin the constitutional process for a by-election to elect a new representative for Udu State Constituency.
