“Partyless Governor Loses Seat” — Okonkwo Cites Section 177(C), Urges INEC To Declare Bayelsa Gubernatorial Vacancy

Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and Nollywood actor, has urged 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 announced his resignation from the PDP on Wednesday, alongside members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, fueling speculation that he may join the All Progressives Congress. The governor described his decision as being for “obvious reasons” but did not elaborate on his grievances with the party.

According to a statement from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Diri made the announcement during an expanded State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa. The meeting included the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, his deputy Michael Ogbere, the All Progressives Grand Alliance minority leader Edward Brigidi, and seven other lawmakers.

Diri’s statement indicated that his resignation followed consultations with state leaders. He thanked supporters for standing by him and encouraged them to continue supporting his administration’s efforts to build a strong and vibrant Bayelsa. The resignation of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who was absent from the meeting, was not addressed.

Okonkwo argued on social media that Diri had automatically vacated his position as governor by resigning from the PDP and not joining another political party. He cited Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states that a person is qualified for election to the office of governor only if they are “a member of a political party and are sponsored by that political party.”

He called on INEC to act swiftly, declaring the seat vacant and conducting a fresh gubernatorial election within 90 days.

Okonkwo wrote: “Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has just vacated his seat as governor by resigning from the PDP and not belonging to any party. The law provides that every elected member of government must be a member of a political party. An elected official can only defect from one party to another but cannot be partyless. I therefore call on INEC to declare his seat vacant immediately and conduct a gubernatorial election within the next 90 days.”