The opposition party also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard the Assembly’s decision, insisting that it amounted to “illegality and political gangsterism.”
…urges INEC to reject decision
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the Delta State House of Assembly’s decision to declare the seat of the member representing Udu Constituency, Hon. Collins Egbetanah, vacant, describing the action as unconstitutional, politically motivated and a violation of his fundamental rights.
The opposition party also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard the Assembly’s decision, insisting that it amounted to “illegality and political gangsterism.”
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the NDC alleged that Egbetanah had been subjected to political persecution since Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the party, Egbetanah, who was elected on the APC platform, became a target because he was regarded as one of the original APC members in the House and remained loyal to former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.
The party further alleged that the lawmaker was denied his salaries and entitlements for several months before he resigned from the APC and joined the NDC on April 30, 2026.
It claimed that shortly after his defection, the Delta State House of Assembly declared his seat vacant and pronounced him persona non grata, a move the NDC described as an act of political vendetta.
“We view this action as politically abominable and reprehensible. The manner in which his seat was declared vacant is unconstitutional and violates Egbetanah’s right to freedom of assembly and association,” the statement said.
The party maintained that the Assembly lacked the constitutional basis to remove the lawmaker from office and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise the decision.
It also disclosed that it would pursue legal action to challenge the development while demanding that Egbetanah be allowed to continue representing the people of Udu Constituency.
“The NDC is committed to ensuring that the people of Udu Constituency continue to enjoy the benefits and dividends of democracy through effective representation by Hon. Egbetanah. Our commitment to service to the people cannot be abridged by any form of legislative rascality,” the statement added.
The Delta State House of Assembly had yet to issue an official response to the allegations at the time of filing this report.