The Delta State House of Assembly has declared the Udu State Constituency seat vacant after its occupant, Hon. Collins Egbetamah, left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The decision was reached during Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers unanimously adopted a motion presented by House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and supported by Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo.
The sitting was presided over by Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Announcing the decision, the Speaker said the House acted in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which require a lawmaker who defects from the political party on whose platform they were elected to forfeit the seat, except in circumstances recognised by law.
He directed the Clerk of the House to formally notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities, while asking the electoral body to begin the constitutional process for a by-election to fill the vacant seat.
While moving the motion, Hon. Nwaobi told the House that documents before lawmakers confirmed that Egbetamah had resigned from the APC and joined the NDC during his current term in office.
Before the motion was considered, Speaker Guwor read Egbetamah’s resignation letter dated June 19, 2026.
In the letter, the lawmaker said he had resigned from the APC on April 30, 2026, citing his political ambitions as the reason for leaving the party.
He also expressed appreciation to the APC and its stakeholders for the support they gave him during his time in the party.
