Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Nollywood actor-turned-politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the seat of the Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri vacant for resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Recall that Diri tendered his resignation alongside with 19 lawmakers from the PDP on Wednesday but has not told Nigerians his new found political party.
However, his action has led to speculations that he is set to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking via his X account, Okonkwo cited Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution to support his claim, calling on INEC to declare Diri’s seat vacant and conduct a gubernatorial election in Bayelsa within 90 days.
“Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has just vacated his seat as the Governor of Bayelsa State by resigning from the PDP and not belonging to any party.
“The position of the law is that every elected member of the government must be a member of a political party. (Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution).
“Gov Diri, being not a member of any political party, has lost his seat as Governor. An elected member of government can only defect from one party to another but can not be partyless at any point in time.
“I, therefore, call on INEC to declare his seat vacant immediately and conduct a gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State within the next 90 days,” the post reads.
