The lawmaker representing Udu State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Collins Egbematah, has vowed to challenge the decision declaring his seat vacant, saying he will seek justice through the courts.
Egbematah made this known during an interview on Kpoko FM on Saturday, where he said he had already begun consultations with his legal team to contest the Assembly’s decision.
He also appealed to the people of Udu Constituency to remain peaceful, assuring them that the matter would be resolved through the legal process.
“I appeal to everyone to remain calm. We are consulting our lawyers and exploring every legal option available. The courts will determine the matter, and I believe justice will prevail,” he said.
His comments come a few days after the Delta State House of Assembly declared his seat vacant following his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The decision was taken during plenary after a motion moved by the House Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by Deputy Speaker Arthur Akpowowo. The session was presided over by Speaker Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
The Assembly said it acted in line with Sections 109(1)(g) and 109(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provide that a lawmaker who defects from the political party that sponsored his or her election may lose the seat unless there is a division within that party.
Lawmakers maintained that there was no evidence of any crisis within the APC that would justify Egbematah’s defection under the constitutional exceptions.
Following the resolution, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to begin the process of conducting a by-election.
However, Egbematah insisted that only the courts can properly interpret the constitutional provisions relating to legislative defections and determine whether the Assembly acted correctly.
The case is expected to draw significant legal and political attention, as its outcome could influence future interpretations of the Constitution on party defections and legislative seats ahead of the 2027 general elections.
