Group Slams Rumour Mongers Over Rep. Nkwonta’s Alleged Defection

A socio-political group under the aegis of the Ukwa Unity Forum (UUF) has taken a strong stand against reports alleging that the member representing Ukwa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, is planning to defect from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Labour Party (LP).

In a statement made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Wednesday, the group described the claim as a fabrication sponsored by desperate politicians who, according to them, have nothing tangible to show for their years in office.

The UUF, in the statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Chief Macaulay Ekeke, and Secretary, Barr. Obiche Nwaubani, accused those behind the rumours of attempting to undermine Hon. Nkwonta’s rising profile and sterling performance at the National Assembly.

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The group stated that it had already identified the sponsors of the false reports and was monitoring their activities, which it described as a coordinated smear campaign aimed at weakening public confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The publication circulating on social media, claiming that Hon. Chris Nkwonta is leaving the APC for the Labour Party, is the beginning of their negative propaganda,” the group stated.

The Forum further alleged that the smear campaign was conceived at the residence of a prominent PDP leader in Ukwa East Local Government Area, where the sum of ₦3 million was allegedly shared to engage a former national newspaper editor to drive the misinformation.

“We have uncovered their evil intentions targeted at demeaning the person of Chief Chris Nkwonta. The conspirators from Ukwa land have gathered like vultures and scavengers, but they will fail,” the statement read.

The group described the propaganda as “dead on arrival,” stressing that Hon. Nkwonta remains committed to the APC and continues to enjoy overwhelming support from his constituents.

“Hon. Nkwonta remains our candidate come 2027. He has performed excellently and deserves a second term. No amount of falsehood can change the tide,” the UUF insisted.

According to the Forum, Ukwa land has never witnessed such remarkable legislative representation and grassroots development as seen under Nkwonta within just two years in office.

“We had representatives who spent eight, sixteen, and even twenty years in the National Assembly without any legacy to show. But Hon. Chris Nkwonta has changed the narrative, delivering visible infrastructure and human-capacity development that have brought hope to our people,” the statement added.

The Ukwa Unity Forum therefore urged the public to disregard the defection rumours and continue to support Hon. Nkwonta’s efforts toward the progress of Ukwa Federal Constituency.