Jul 6, 2026

Delta Assembly Crisis: NDC Slams “Vindictive” Declaration of Egbetanah’s Seat Vacant

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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ABUJA, Nigeria — In a strongly worded press statement that has ignited fresh debate on political freedom and legislative overreach in Delta State, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has vehemently condemned the Delta State House of Assembly for declaring the seat of Honourable Collins Egbetanah vacant.

The party described the move as an act of “vindictiveness, political callousness, and legislative rascality.”

Hon. Egbetanah, who represents Udu Constituency, was originally elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He remained a minority member until Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several PDP lawmakers decamped to the APC, joining him in the ruling party.

However, tensions reportedly arose because of his perceived loyalty to former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege. For months, the Assembly allegedly withheld his salaries and entitlements.

On April 30, 2026, Egbetanah resigned from the APC and joined the NDC. In response, the House took the unprecedented step of declaring his seat vacant and labeling him a persona non grata — an action the NDC views as unconstitutional and a violation of his right to freedom of association.

The NDC’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq., urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard the Assembly’s decision, describing it as “politically abominable and reprehensible.”

The party pledged to pursue all legal avenues to protect Egbetanah’s mandate and ensure the people of Udu Constituency continue to receive effective representation and dividends of democracy.

This controversy highlights ongoing challenges around party defections, legislative independence, and political persecution in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

While defection rules exist, critics argue that punitive measures like seat declarations often serve as tools for settling scores rather than upholding constitutional principles.

As the matter potentially heads to the courts, all eyes are on INEC and the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and protect elected representatives from undue harassment.

For the people of Udu, the real question remains whether political power plays will overshadow their right to quality representation.

The NDC’s firm stance signals its commitment to defending its members and challenging what it sees as undemocratic practices — a reminder that Nigeria’s democracy continues to evolve through such test cases.