Nollywood actor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the seat of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri vacant following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Diri, along with several members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, resigned from the PDP on Wednesday, fuelling speculation that he may be preparing to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor, however, only described his decision as being made for “obvious reasons,” without providing further details about his grievances with the party.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Diri reportedly announced his resignation during an expanded State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Yenagoa. The meeting was attended by Speaker Abraham Ingobere, Deputy Speaker Michael Ogbere, APGA Minority Leader Edward Brigidi, and seven other lawmakers.
According to the statement, the governor reached his decision after “extensive consultations” with key leaders in the state. He expressed gratitude to his supporters for their continued loyalty and urged them to remain steadfast as he works to “build a stronger and more vibrant Bayelsa.”
However, Diri made no mention of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who was reportedly absent from the meeting.
Reacting to the development, Okonkwo took to his Instagram page on Wednesday night, asserting that Diri had automatically vacated his office by resigning from the PDP and not being affiliated with any political party.
Citing Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Okonkwo noted that eligibility for the office of governor requires membership and sponsorship by a political party.
He therefore called on INEC to declare the Bayelsa governorship seat vacant and conduct a fresh election within 90 days.
“Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has just vacated his seat as governor by resigning from the PDP and not belonging to any party,” Okonkwo wrote.
“The law clearly states that every elected official must be a member of a political party, as provided in Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution.
“Governor Diri, by being unaffiliated with any political party, has lost his seat. An elected leader can defect from one party to another, but cannot remain without a party at any time.
“I therefore call on INEC to declare the Bayelsa governorship seat vacant immediately and conduct a new election within 90 days,” he added.
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