The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly condemned the Delta State House of Assembly, accusing it of “vindictiveness and selective justice” after it declared the seat of Honourable Collins Egbetamah vacant and labelled him persona non grata following his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NDC.
In a strongly worded press statement, National Publicity Secretary Osa Director Esq expressed “utter consternation and disgust” at the Assembly’s actions, describing them as “politically abominable and reprehensible”.
Mr Egbetamah, who represents the Udu Constituency, was originally elected under the APC banner. According to the NDC, he served as a minority member until the Delta State Governor and several PDP legislators defected to the APC.
However, those loyal to the Governor reportedly began to view Mr Egbetamah as a threat – both because of his status as an original APC member and his allegiance to former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege.
For months, the NDC claims, the Assembly – acting on government directives – deprived Mr Egbetamah of his salaries and entitlements.
On 30 April 2026, he resigned from the APC and joined the NDC. In what the party calls an “unprecedented” and “callous” retaliation, the Assembly immediately declared his seat vacant and barred him from the chamber.
“The manner in which his seat was declared vacant is unconstitutional and violates Egbetamah’s right to free assembly and association,” the NDC said, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard the “act of illegality and political gangsterism” by the Delta State Assembly.
The party has vowed to pursue all legal avenues to resolve the matter, while urging the Assembly to allow Mr Egbetanah to perform the constitutional duties for which his constituents elected him.
“Our commitment to service to the people cannot be abridged by any form of legislative rascality,” the statement added.
