ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and Nollywood actor, has called on Nigeria’s electoral commission to declare the seat of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri vacant following his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party.
Governor Diri announced his resignation on Wednesday during an expanded State Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa, attended by key state lawmakers and political figures. He cited “obvious reasons” for leaving the party but did not elaborate on his decision or future political plans.
The move has sparked speculation that Diri may be preparing to join the ruling All Progressives Congress, although no formal declaration has been made. Several members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly also resigned from the PDP alongside the governor.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Diri said the decision followed extensive consultations with state leaders. He thanked his supporters and pledged to continue building a strong and vibrant Bayelsa.
Notably absent from the meeting was Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, whose status within the PDP remains unclear. Diri did not mention his deputy’s position during the announcement.
Reacting to the development, Okonkwo posted on social media that Diri had effectively vacated his office by resigning from his party and failing to immediately affiliate with another. He cited Section 177(c) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which requires elected governors to be members of a political party.
“The position of the law is clear,” Okonkwo wrote. “An elected official cannot be partyless. Governor Diri, by resigning and not joining another party, has lost his seat.”
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to act swiftly by declaring the seat vacant and organizing a new gubernatorial election within 90 days.
Okonkwo’s statement has stirred debate over constitutional interpretation and political strategy, as observers await further clarification from Diri and INEC.
The controversy comes amid broader shifts in Nigeria’s political landscape, with defections and realignments reshaping party dynamics ahead of upcoming elections.
