ASABA — The political landscape of Delta State experienced a major structural convulsion on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, as the Delta State House of Assembly officially declared vacant the legislative seat of the member representing the Udu State Constituency, Honourable Collins Egbetamah. The sweeping legislative action follows Egbetamah's formal resignation from the All Progressives Congress and his subsequent political defection to the rising Nigeria Democratic Congress. The decision marks a significant development in the state's shifting political alignments, triggering immediate preparations for an unscheduled electoral contest in the region.
The dramatic parliamentary declaration was set in motion following the formal presentation and adoption of a strategic motion by the Leader of the House, Honourable Emeka Nwaobi. The motion was swiftly seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Right Honourable Arthur Akpowowo, and received unanimous approval from the lawmakers during a high-stakes plenary session. The legislative proceedings were presided over by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, who guided the house through the strict constitutional protocols required to execute such a severe political penalty.
Speaker Guwor declared the legislative seat vacant by invoking the explicit statutory provisions embedded within Section 109, Subsection 1(g) and Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended. Recognizing the immediate administrative duties resulting from this decision, Guwor directed the Clerk of the House to officially communicate the resolution to the Independent National Electoral Commission within the shortest possible timeframe, thereby initiating the legal countdown for a fresh constituency election.
In a formal, binding statement delivered on the floor of the parliament, Speaker Guwor clarified that the legislative house had thoroughly examined the facts and was completely satisfied that the strict constitutional requirements had been met. He noted that the assembly had no choice but to uphold the supreme law of the land, which explicitly forbids lawmakers from abandoning the political vehicles that brought them to power without clear legal justification. Consequently, acting under the constitutional powers vested in his office, Guwor declared the seat of the representative for the Udu State Constituency vacant with immediate effect, stripping the defecting politician of his legislative privileges.
Following the declaration, the Speaker gave explicit instructions to the parliamentary secretariat to ensure the resolution was transmitted not only to the Independent National Electoral Commission but also to all relevant security and administrative authorities across the state. He officially requested that the national electoral body take all necessary constitutional steps to organize and conduct a fresh by-election within the Udu State Constituency, in compliance with the operational timelines specified under Section 116, Subsection 2 of the Nigerian Constitution. This process will ensure the people of Udu do not suffer from a prolonged lack of representation in the state capital.
While presenting the motion, which was officially titled "Consideration of the Letter from Honourable Member Representing Udu State Constituency Pursuant to Section 109 of the Constitution," House Leader Emeka Nwaobi explained that the documentary evidence presented to the assembly was entirely indisputable. The records confirmed that Egbetamah had actively switched his political allegiance from the All Progressives Congress to the Nigeria Democratic Congress while his tenure as a serving lawmaker was still active. Nwaobi read aloud the specific text of Section 109, Subsection 1(g), reminding his colleagues that any lawmaker who abandons the party on whose platform they were elected must vacate their seat, provided that the expiration of their term has not occurred and no formal division exists within their primary political organization.
Prior to the introduction of the motion, Speaker Guwor had read the official resignation correspondence submitted by Egbetamah himself, which was dated June 19, 2026. In the letter, the embattled lawmaker informed the leadership of the house that he had formally severed ties with the All Progressives Congress on April 30, 2026, claiming the radical move was necessary to protect and advance his long-term political aspirations. Despite the contentious nature of his exit, Egbetamah used the correspondence to commend the leadership of his former party and local stakeholders for the immense support they had provided him during his time in office.
Political analysts monitoring the region note that this sudden vacancy will undoubtedly spark an intense battle between the major political parties as they scramble to claim control of the highly influential Udu constituency. Local party leaders are already meeting behind closed doors to screen potential candidates for the upcoming by-election. With the Independent National Electoral Commission expected to announce an official electoral timetable shortly, residents of Udu are preparing for a period of intense campaigning, as the major parties view this upcoming vote as a critical test of their grassroots strength ahead of future general elections.
