The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the Delta State House of Assembly over the declaration of the seat of Hon. Collins Egbetamah, member representing Udu Constituency, as vacant, describing the action as unconstitutional, vindictive and politically motivated.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the NDC alleged that the lawmaker had been subjected to political persecution following his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and defection to the NDC on April 30, 2026.
According to the party, Hon. Egbetamah was originally elected on the platform of the APC and remained a minority member in the Delta State House of Assembly until Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
The party claimed that because of Egbetamah’s status as an original APC member and his loyalty to former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, he became a target of political victimisation. It alleged that the lawmaker was denied his salaries and entitlements for several months.
The NDC further stated that after joining the party, the Delta State House of Assembly moved to declare his seat vacant and declared him persona non grata, a decision it described as a violation of his constitutional rights to freedom of association and assembly.
The party called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard what it termed an illegal action by the state legislature.
It also disclosed that it would pursue legal remedies while urging the Delta State House of Assembly to allow Hon. Collins Egbetamah to continue carrying out his constitutional responsibilities as the elected representative of Udu Constituency.
The NDC maintained that the people of Udu Constituency deserve uninterrupted representation and pledged to ensure they continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy through Hon. Collins Egbetamah’s service. It warned against what it described as “legislative rascality” capable of undermining democratic governance.
Ubong Usoro for Nigeria Magazine
