Labour Party chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the Bayelsa State governorship seat vacant, following Governor Douye Diri’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement shared on Wednesday, Okonkwo argued that Diri’s withdrawal from the PDP, without immediately joining another political platform, invalidates his mandate under the 1999 Constitution.
Citing Section 177(c) of the Constitution, Okonkwo maintained that every elected officeholder in Nigeria must belong to a political party to retain their position.
“The law is clear — every elected member of government must belong to a political party. Governor Diri, being not a member of any political party, has lost his seat as governor,” the actor-turned-politician stated.
He further explained that while the Constitution permits defection from one party to another, it does not recognize political neutrality or partylessness.
Okonkwo, who served as a spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 elections, urged INEC to take immediate action.
“INEC should declare his seat vacant immediately and conduct a fresh governorship election in Bayelsa State within 90 days,” he added.
Governor Diri had earlier confirmed his resignation from the PDP, but has not yet announced a new political affiliation, sparking widespread speculation about his next move and possible alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
