Kenneth Okonkwo has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the seat of Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, vacant following his reported resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Okonkwo, a lawyer and political figure, stated that by stepping away from any political party, Diri has automatically vacated his position under Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution. The section stipulates that every elected member of government must belong to a political party.
He explained that while a politician may defect from one party to another, being without party affiliation at any point violates constitutional provisions. Okonkwo therefore urged INEC to initiate procedures for a fresh gubernatorial election in Bayelsa within 90 days.
The situation mirrors other high-profile political shifts recently reported on Top Society Nigeria, including the Acting Akwa Ibom First Lady’s advocacy efforts and national leadership discussions under President Tinubu.
Governor Diri is yet to make an official statement, as citizens and observers await INEC’s response to this unfolding development.