By Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Delta State House of Assembly of political victimisation and unconstitutional conduct following the declaration of the seat of the member representing Udu Constituency, Hon. Collins Egbetamah, as vacant after his defection to the party.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq., the party described the Assembly’s action as “vindictive, unconstitutional and politically motivated,” alleging that Egbetamah had been targeted for months over his political affiliations.
According to the NDC, Hon. Collins Egbetamah was elected into the Delta State House of Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and remained one of the party’s few lawmakers before Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several PDP lawmakers defected to the APC.
The party claimed that following the mass defection, Egbetamah became a target because of his status as an original APC member and his loyalty to former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege.
It alleged that the lawmaker was subsequently denied his salaries and other entitlements for several months through the influence of the state government.
The NDC said the situation worsened after Egbetamah resigned from the APC on April 30, 2026, to join the NDC, alleging that the Assembly responded by declaring his seat vacant and branding him a persona non grata.
The party condemned the decision, insisting that the declaration violated the lawmaker’s constitutional rights to freedom of association and political participation.
> “The manner in which his seat was declared vacant is unconstitutional and violates Hon. Egbetamah’s right to free assembly and association. We view this action as politically abominable, reprehensible and a clear case of legislative intimidation,” the statement read.
The opposition party called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard what it described as an illegal declaration of vacancy, insisting that the electoral body should not recognise actions it considers contrary to the Constitution.
The NDC also disclosed that it has commenced legal processes to challenge the Assembly’s decision and urged the Delta State House of Assembly to allow Hon. Collins Egbetamah to continue representing the people of Udu Constituency pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.
Reaffirming its support for the lawmaker, the party said it remains committed to ensuring that residents of Udu Constituency continue to enjoy effective representation and democratic dividends.
“The NDC’s commitment to service to the people cannot be abridged by any form of legislative rascality,” the statement added.
