By John Umeh
Veteran lawyer and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately strip Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State of his mandate and conduct a fresh governorship election.
Diri, on Wednesday, October 15, shocked political observers when he announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. His next political move has not been disclosed, leaving him without an official party platform.
Okonkwo, reacting via social media, said the development contravenes Nigeria’s constitutional requirements. He argued that no governor or elected public officer can remain in power without belonging to a political party.
“The Bayelsa governorship seat is now vacant because Governor Diri is currently without a political party. The Constitution is clear — every elected leader must belong to a party to occupy any office,” he posted. “INEC must take immediate steps to declare the office vacant and conduct a fresh election within 90 days.”
The statement has ignited political debate in Abuja and Yenagoa, with some legal analysts suggesting that the Supreme Court may eventually be called upon to clarify whether resignation from a party automatically invalidates an electoral mandate.
INEC has yet to issue any official response to Okonkwo’s demand.
