Massive Defection in Abia: Over 3,000 Join APC Under Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu

 Massive Defection in Abia: Over 3,000 Join APC Under Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has successfully led a major political shift in Abia State, welcoming over 3,000 new members from various political parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC). This historic defection highlights the growing influence of the APC in the region and signals a new era in Abia politics.

Key Event in Akwete: A Milestone for the APC

The mass defection took place in Akwete, Ndoki, within the Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State. The event coincided with an empowerment program organized by Hon. Chris Nkwonta, who represents the Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. This strategic gathering brought together party leaders, new members, and an energized crowd ready to embrace change.

Addressing a sea of APC supporters proudly waving the party’s symbolic broom, Kalu declared that the defection marked the beginning of a larger movement. He hinted at an upcoming wave of political realignments that would further strengthen the APC's position in the state.

APC’s Appeal: A Testament to Tinubu’s Leadership

Kalu attributed the growing support for the APC to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the progress and development of the Igbo community. Specifically, the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) was highlighted as a monumental achievement that resonates with the aspirations of the people.

“The President has done a lot for Ndigbo and continues to do so,” Kalu emphasized. “He is the only leader who remembered the promise made 54 years ago to reconstruct, reconcile, and rehabilitate Ndigbo. His sense of equity and fairness is unmatched, and his leadership is anchored in development.”

Empowering the Grassroots: Kalu’s Vision for Abia

Kalu urged the new members to actively participate in the APC’s grassroots agenda, describing the party as a vehicle for sustainable development. He assured the defectors that their decision to join the APC would yield significant benefits for them and their communities.

“For taking this bold step, APC will empower you to empower others,” Kalu stated. “With key figures from other parties now joining us, it’s clear that the opposition has weakened. The APC is now the party of choice, and we are committed to bringing development closer to the people.”

A New Era for Ukwa East and Ukwa West

During the event, Kalu was honored with the chieftaincy title of Enyioha of Ukwa Kingdom in recognition of his contributions to the community. He reassured the audience that President Tinubu’s administration would deliver tangible dividends of democracy to Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Abia State, and the entire Igbo region.

Kalu encouraged continued support for Tinubu’s government, emphasizing that the Igbo people stood to gain significantly from the President’s inclusive policies and development-focused leadership.

Notable Figures Among the New Members

The defections included prominent political figures such as Hon. Emeka Stanley, a former Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and a former member of the House of Representatives. Their decision to join the APC underscores the party’s growing dominance in Abia State and its appeal to leaders with significant political clout.

The defection of over 3,000 individuals to the APC marks a defining moment in Abia’s political landscape. Under the leadership of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the party is poised to consolidate its influence and drive meaningful change in the state. With President Tinubu’s support and the unwavering commitment of party leaders, the APC is charting a new course for development, equity, and progress in the South East.