Chris Nkwonta, Abia rep, leaves PDP for APC

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.

The announcement was greeted with cheers from APC legislators.

However, 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.

His point was ruled out of order by Abbas who said there is crisis in the PDP.

“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.