The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the seat of Chris Nkwonta, the representative of Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, vacant. This comes after Nkwonta’s defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday.
Jude Ndukwe, Media Adviser to the PDP Caretaker Committee in Abia, released a statement asking INEC to conduct a fresh election within the constitutionally mandated time to replace Nkwonta, citing provisions in Section 68(1)(g) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution.
Ndukwe emphasized that there is no faction within the PDP at the federal or state level, rendering Nkwonta’s defection illegal. However, Don Ubani, a former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Abia State and a PDP member, defended the move, claiming Nkwonta’s defection to the APC had the support of his constituents.
