Politics

Over 500 Join APC in Abia Amidst Surge of Political Defections

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 8th, 2024.

Over 500 Join APC in Abia Amidst Surge of Political Defections

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has seen a significant boost in its ranks as more than 500 individuals from various political parties have defected to the ruling party. The defection wave includes members from the Labour Party (LP), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Young Progressive Party (YPP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The mass defection was formally announced on Tuesday, following a visit by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, to different wards within Bende Federal Constituency. Kalu, who represents the constituency in the National Assembly, began a tour of 13 electoral wards on August 3, 2024, to express his gratitude to voters and assess local needs.

According to a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu has already visited five wards—Item Ward A, B, C; Ugwueke/Ezeukwu; and Itumbauzo—where he welcomed over 400 new members to the APC. His visit to Alayi Ward on Monday evening resulted in the defection of more than 100 individuals, including notable figures such as former PDP councillors Hon. Enoch Elekwa and Hon. Chukwu Udensi, as well as former LP ward chairman Hon. Jonah Chukwu, YPP vice chairman Ekeoma Sylvester Eze, and former APGA local government chairman Ndubuisi Sunday Agu.

On Tuesday, Kalu’s visit to Umuhu Ezechi Ward saw over 100 more people join the APC from PDP and other parties. During his tour, Paul Chikezie Mba, a former Commissioner and local government chairman, praised Kalu’s achievements, highlighting the extensive infrastructure projects and job creation initiated by the Deputy Speaker. Mba expressed support for Kalu and the APC, noting the positive impact on the community and pledging to mobilize further support.

In response, Kalu thanked the residents for their support and handed out bags of rice, fertilizers, and cash donations to local groups. He urged continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who recently signed the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill into law, promising that the commission will address local employment and infrastructure needs.

Further consolidating the APC’s position, over 100 individuals from LP, PDP, APGA, and YPP also joined the party during Kalu’s visit to Ozuitem Ward. Notable defectors included Arc. (Chief) John Ihueze and Sunday Kalu Iroham from PDP, Adighije Okoronkwo from APGA, and others from YPP. Kalu, welcomed by traditional dances and festivities, assured the crowd of ongoing support from the APC government and encouraged continued backing for President Tinubu.

The Deputy Speaker’s visits and the significant influx of new APC members underscore the growing influence of the party in Abia State and reflect a broader political realignment in the region.