The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 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 following the defection of its representative, Chris Nkwonta, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued by Jude Ndukwe, Media Adviser to the PDP Caretaker Committee in Abia, the party demanded that INEC comply with constitutional provisions by organizing a new election to replace Nkwonta, who defected to the APC during a House session on Wednesday.
The PDP insisted that Nkwonta’s defection violates the conditions set out in the Nigerian Constitution for lawmakers seeking to change parties.
“This call on INEC is for the electoral body to comply with the provisions of Section 68(1)(g) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“Hon. Nkwonta’s defection did not meet the conditions precedent to the defection of a federal lawmaker as provided for by our laws,” Ndukwe’s statement read.
Ndukwe stated that there is no faction within the PDP at either the state or national level that would justify Nkwonta’s departure, declaring the move illegal and unconstitutional. Section 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution stipulates that a lawmaker must vacate their seat if they defect to another party unless the party they originally belonged to is in crisis.
