The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare vacant the Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives. This demand comes in the wake of Chris Nkwonta’s recent defection from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Nkwonta announced his party switch on the House floor on Wednesday, October 2, sparking immediate controversy. In response, the PDP issued a statement through Jude Ndukwe, Media Adviser to the party’s Caretaker Committee in Abia, asserting that Nkwonta’s defection violates Section 68(1)(g) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“There is no faction in the PDP at either the federal or state level, so Hon. Nkwonta’s defection is illegal and unconstitutional,” Ndukwe stated. The party is urging INEC to conduct a new election to fill what they consider a now-vacant seat.

However, the situation has become more complex with Don Ubani, a former Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor and a PDP member from the same constituency, defending Nkwonta’s move. Ubani claims that constituents had mandated Nkwonta to join the APC, introducing a layer of local politics to the constitutional debate.

The contrasting views have heightened political tensions in the constituency, with both parties bracing for potential electoral consequences. The PDP maintains its stance, insisting that INEC must uphold constitutional provisions and follow due process in addressing Nkwonta’s defection.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on INEC to see how it will navigate this complex political and legal landscape. The commission’s decision could have significant implications for party loyalty and representation in Nigeria’s political system.

_______________________________________________________________________ Groundbreaking Guide For Lawyers: Adigwe Publishes ‘Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers’ With Free Research eBook The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion. Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating: "....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic." How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626 Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. ______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ________________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

_______________________________________________________________________