The Delta State House of Assembly has declared the seat of the member representing Udu State Constituency, Hon. Collins Egbetamah, vacant following his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The decision was reached during plenary on Tuesday, June 30, after lawmakers unanimously adopted a motion moved by the House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Arthur Akpowowo.

Speaker Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, who presided over the session, said the House acted in line with Section 109(1)(g) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires a legislator to vacate their seat if they defect from the political party under which they were elected, 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 said.

The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities. He also requested the electoral body to conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seat in accordance with Section 116(2) of the Constitution.

Moving the motion, Nwaobi said documents before the House confirmed that Egbetamah had resigned from the APC and joined the NDC while still serving as a member of the Assembly. He argued that the lawmaker's action fell within the provisions of Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution, which provides that a legislator who joins another political party before the end of their tenure must forfeit their seat unless a constitutional exception applies.

Earlier in the sitting, the Speaker read Egbetamah's resignation letter dated June 19, 2026. In the letter, the lawmaker disclosed that he resigned from the APC on April 30, 2026, stating that the move was made to pursue his political aspirations.

Egbetamah also expressed appreciation to the APC and its stakeholders for their support during his time in the party.