CurrentReport Blog The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the defection of Rowland Dennis Chinwendu, the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa South constituency, to the Labour Party (LP). The party described his move as unethical and unconstitutional, vowing to take legal action to reclaim his seat.
Chinwendu’s defection was officially announced on the floor of the Abia State House of Assembly on Tuesday, just days after speculation emerged that he was planning to leave the PDP. His decision has sparked outrage within the party, which insists that his seat must be declared vacant in line with constitutional provisions.
PDP Moves to Reclaim Chinwendu’s Seat
Reacting to the development, the PDP, through its Publicity Secretary, Eric Ikwuagwu, issued a statement on Tuesday evening, affirming the party’s stance on the matter. The party made it clear that it would immediately notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take action by declaring the lawmaker’s seat vacant.
The PDP cited Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which states that any legislator who defects from the party under which they were elected must forfeit their seat unless there is a clear division or merger within the party.
Ikwuagwu emphasized that no such division or merger currently exists within the Abia PDP, meaning that Chinwendu’s defection violates constitutional provisions.
“The law is very clear on this matter. A legislator who abandons the party under which he was elected cannot continue to hold his seat unless there is a recognized division or merger in the party. Since there is no division in the PDP, his defection is both unethical and unconstitutional,” Ikwuagwu stated.
Legal Action Looms Against Chinwendu
In addition to writing to INEC, the PDP announced its intention to initiate legal proceedings in a competent court of law to ensure the enforcement of constitutional provisions.
“Our party will take immediate legal steps to uphold the integrity of our democratic process. We will not allow this act of political betrayal to stand unchallenged. The law must be followed, and we are confident that the judiciary will uphold justice,” the party’s statement read.
Political Tension in Abia State
Chinwendu’s defection adds to the growing political tension in Abia State, where party realignments and power struggles have intensified ahead of the next election cycle. While the lawmaker has yet to publicly explain the reasons behind his decision, sources suggest that internal party disagreements and strategic political interests may have influenced his move.
The PDP, which has been a dominant political force in Abia State for years, now faces increasing challenges as more politicians explore alternative political platforms. The Labour Party, which gained significant traction in the 2023 general elections, is gradually expanding its influence in the state, attracting defectors from other parties.
What Next?
With the PDP determined to reclaim Chinwendu’s seat, all eyes are now on INEC and the judiciary. If the party succeeds in its legal challenge, a by-election may be conducted to fill the seat. However, if the lawmaker manages to retain his position, it could set a new political precedent in the state.
As the situation unfolds, political observers in Abia State are keenly watching how this legal and political battle will play out in the coming weeks.
