In a significant political development, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has welcomed over 3,000 new members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State. The mass defection took place in Akwete, Ndoki, within the Ukwa East Local Government Area, during an empowerment program organized by Hon. Chris Nkwonta, who represents the Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituencies.
The gathering, attended by residents from Ukwa East and Ukwa West Local Government Areas, displayed a sea of APC’s iconic broom symbol as Kalu addressed the enthusiastic crowd. The Deputy Speaker expressed optimism about the future, stating that the recent defections signal a growing wave of support for the party in the region.
Kalu attributed the political shift to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he said has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the development of the South East. The creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), aimed at addressing the region’s infrastructure needs, was highlighted as a cornerstone of Tinubu’s administration.
“The President has tried for Ndigbo. He is still trying for Ndigbo,” Kalu stated. “He is the only leader who remembered Ndigbo after 54 years of promises for reconstruction, reconciliation, and rehabilitation. He signed the bill into law, ensuring the damages caused by the Civil War are rebuilt. This is a politics of development, and we welcome you to join it.”
The event also marked the defection of Hon. Chris Nkwonta, chair of the House Committee on South East Development Commission, from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Kalu described the move as a significant blow to opposition parties in the state, asserting that APC now holds the grassroots advantage.
The Deputy Speaker promised empowerment opportunities for the new members, emphasizing the party’s focus on inclusive development. “We will empower you to empower others,” he said, urging the new members to contribute to the party’s growth and the progress of their communities.
This mass defection underscores a shifting political landscape in Abia State, with the APC making significant inroads as it consolidates its position in the region.
