By Damilare Adeleye
Chris Nkwonta, a member of the House of Representatives, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House, announced Nkwonta’s defection on the floor of the green chamber on Wednesday.
Nkwonta represents Ukwa east/Ukwa west federal constituency of Abia state.
Following the announcement, Aliyu Madaki, Deputy Minority Leader of the House, protested the defection.Citing section 68 of the constitution, Madaki said a lawmaker can only dump the party that sponsored his election if there is crisis in that party.
Madaki consequently called for Nwonta’s seat to be declared vacant.The speaker, however, ruled out the point, saying that he is aware of a faction in PDP and declared Hon Nkwonta’s defection valid.
“The information available to me shows there is a faction,” the speaker said.
Abbas subsequently announced Nkwonta as the chairman of the house committee on South East Development Commission.