The Delta State House of Assembly has declared the seat of the member representing Udu State Constituency, Hon. Collins Egbetamah, vacant.
This decision follows his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his subsequent defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Assembly took this action in accordance with Section 109(1)(g) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The declaration was made following the adoption of a motion moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, and unanimously approved during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor.
During the session, Speaker Guwor stated, “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 directed the Clerk of the House to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities of the resolution, requesting that the commission initiate the necessary steps to conduct a by-election to fill the vacancy as prescribed by Section 116(2) of the Constitution.
In presenting the motion, titled “Consideration of the Letter from the Honourable Member Representing Udu State Constituency Pursuant to Section 109 of the Constitution,” Hon. Nwaobi explained that documentary evidence confirmed Egbetamah’s move from the APC to the NDC while still in office.
He referenced Section 109(1)(g), which stipulates that a member must vacate their seat if they become a member of another political party before their tenure expires, unless specific constitutional exemptions apply.
Earlier, the Speaker had read Egbetamah’s resignation letter dated June 19, 2026. In the letter, the lawmaker informed the House that he had resigned from the APC on April 30, 2026, to further his political aspirations, while also thanking the APC and its stakeholders for their past support.
