The has declared the seat of the member representing Udu State Constituency, , vacant following his resignation from the (APC) and subsequent defection to the (NDC).
The decision was reached during Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers unanimously adopted a motion moved by the House Leader, , and seconded by Deputy Speaker .
Delivering the ruling, Speaker said the House acted in line with Section 109(1)(g) and Section 109(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires a legislator to vacate their seat upon joining another political party, except under constitutionally recognised exceptions.
Guwor stated that the Assembly was satisfied that all constitutional conditions had been met and consequently declared Egbetamah’s seat vacant with immediate effect.
The Speaker also instructed the Clerk of the House to officially notify the (INEC) and other relevant authorities of the development. He further urged INEC to organise a by-election to fill the vacant Udu State Constituency seat in accordance with Section 116(2) of the Constitution.
While presenting the motion, Nwaobi told the House that documents before the Assembly confirmed Egbetamah had formally resigned his membership of the APC and joined the NDC while still serving as a lawmaker. He maintained that Section 109(1)(g) clearly provides that any legislator who defects to another political party before the end of their tenure automatically loses their seat unless protected by constitutional exceptions.
Earlier in the sitting, the Speaker read a resignation letter dated June 19, 2026, in which Egbetamah disclosed that he had resigned from the APC on April 30, 2026, to pursue his political ambitions.
In the letter, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to the APC and its leaders for the support and opportunities they provided throughout his time as a member of the party.
