The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has formally requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the seat of Chris Nkwonta, the lawmaker representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West in the House of Representatives, vacant following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Nkwonta’s defection occurred on Wednesday during a House session, prompting the PDP to release a statement through Jude Ndukwe, the Media Adviser to the PDP Caretaker Committee in Abia. The statement urged INEC to organize a new election within the constitutionally mandated timeframe to fill the vacant seat, arguing that Nkwonta’s defection violated legal provisions.
The PDP claimed there were no internal crises within the party at the state or federal level to justify Nkwonta’s move. Citing Section 68(1)(g) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution, Ndukwe emphasized that Nkwonta’s defection lacked the necessary legal grounds.
However, Don Ubani, a PDP member from the same constituency, expressed that Nkwonta’s defection aligned with the decisions of the party’s local chieftains.
