The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suffered a significant legal defeat in Abia State after a Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia dismissed its suit seeking the removal of the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, from the House of Representatives.
The case, which was filed by the PDP, had prayed the Federal High Court to declare the seat of the lawmaker vacant following his defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP alleged that Nkwonta’s action violated Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, and further prayed the court to order the conduct of a bye-election in the federal constituency within 90 days to fill the vacated seat.
However, delivering his judgment, Justice S.B. Onu, who presided over the matter, dismissed the suit for lack of diligent prosecution and lack of interest in the matter by the plaintiff — effectively throwing out the PDP’s case and affirming Nkwonta’s continued occupation of his legislative seat.
The ruling represents a major legal and political victory for Hon. Nkwonta, who has been fighting to retain his seat since his high-profile defection from the PDP to the APC.
In a further boost to his political fortunes, Nkwonta has since won the APC primary election for Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency and has received his Certificate of Return from the party, positioning him firmly as the APC’s candidate for the 2027 general elections. Punch
The PDP is yet to officially respond to the court’s dismissal of its suit.
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