Ayobamiji Komolafe 
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives vacant.
This move comes shortly after the defection of Chris Nkwonta from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
New Telegraph had earlier reported that Nkwonta announced his defection on the House floor on Wednesday, October 2.
Reacting to his defection, PDP in a statement issued by Jude Ndukwe, Media Adviser to the PDP Caretaker Committee in Abia emphasized that Nkwonta’s defection violated the provisions of Section 68(1)(g) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
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These sections of the constitution govern the defection of federal lawmakers.
Ndukwe urged INEC to conduct a new election to fill the now-vacant seat.
“There is no faction in the PDP at either the federal or state level, so Hon. Nkwonta’s defection is illegal and unconstitutional,” Ndukwe said in the statement.
However, Don Ubani, a former Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor and a PDP member from the Ukwa East/Ukwa West constituency, defended Nkwonta’s move.
He stated that members of the constituency had mandated him to join the APC.
The contrasting views have sparked political tension in the constituency as both parties prepare for potential electoral consequences.
PDP however insists that INEC must uphold the constitutional provisions.
Also, it pleaded with INEC to ensure due process is followed in addressing Nkwonta’s defection.
