In what has been described as a major political realignment, scores of opposition party members from across Abia State officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a high-profile event held in Umuahia, the state capital.
The ceremony also marked the formal inauguration by the leadership of APC Abia State, the Abia Central chapter of Renewed Hope Partners, a grassroots political initiative aimed at mobilizing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and his re-election bid in 2027.
The event was headlined by Rt. Hon. Samuel Ifeanyi Onuigbo, a member of the Governing Board of the North-East Development Commission and a former two-time member of the House of Representatives who lauded the scale and significance of the defections. Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/ Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, noted that the calibre of new entrants underscored the growing appeal of the APC under President Tinubu.
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“This event will remain indelible in the political history of Abia State and Nigeria,” Onuigbo said. “We are not just welcoming defectors—we are receiving respected political heavyweights, true men of timber and calibre.”
Rep. Onuigbo praised President Tinubu’s leadership, citing reforms and developments under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the economy, infrastructure, and governance. He also commended the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu CON, for spearheading the Renewed Hope Partners Initiative, which he described as a platform for inclusive national development.
The APC Abia State Secretary, Chief Chidi Avoajah, who was joined by Rep. Onuigbo and the Zonal Chairman, His Honour, Chief Lawrence Ukatta, to welcome the defectors, described the wave of defections into the APC as a clear migration of political actors seeking a more inclusive and responsive platform. “People are moving from a party that no longer feels like home to one that embraces them. That is what we are witnessing,” he stated. Among the defectors were notable figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and hundreds of their supporters.
The inauguration of the Abia Central Chapter of the Renewed Hope Partners was conducted by Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, who was ably represented by the APC Abia Central Zonal Chairman, Chief Lawrence Ukatta, with the full support of the APC Abia State Secretary, Hon, Chidi Avoajah.
Chief Lawrence emphasised the significance of the moment, stating: “From today, you are officially inaugurated to do the job. On behalf of the APC in Abia State, we call upon you to do the needful from this day forward. You are now inaugurated to undertake this assignment in Jesus’ name.”
Those inaugurated include Pastor Pat Ikechi (Coordinator), Surv. Uwaoma Akomas (Assistant Coordinator), Dr. Larry Isaac (Secretary), Hon. Okezie Ogbonna (Assistant Secretary), Chukwuemeka Uchegbu (Organizing Secretary), and Mrs. Odochi Odor (Woman Leader), among others.
The event also witnessed the inauguration of a coordinator and executives of the Renewed Hope Partners in Ikwuano Local Government Area, including Hon. Enyinanya Ezeri, Dr. Okezie Obasi, Mr. Kingsley Osuh, and Blessing Mpamah.
In a series of goodwill messages, the defectors pledged their loyalty to the APC, applauding the efforts of President Tinubu and Deputy Speaker Kalu.
“Our great son, the Deputy Speaker, is doing well. President Tinubu is doing well. We are here to support the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Hon. Enyi Ezeri declared.
Chief Hon. Paul Nwachukwu assured party faithful that the new entrants were committed to unity and development. “We have come to make things work and help our younger ones. We are here to give full support—financially and otherwise,” he said.
Lady Chinyere Ehilegbu also pledged that the new team would work tirelessly to strengthen the APC in Ikwuano and the entire state to secure electoral victory in 2027.
During a media briefing, Rep. Onuigbo reiterated that the Renewed Hope Partners was a strategic mobilization tool launched by Deputy Speaker Kalu to galvanise nationwide support for President Tinubu’s second term.
He credited the administration with taking bold economic decisions—such as subsidy removal and fiscal reforms—which he said have boosted state finances and led to declining fuel and food prices.
“The economic direction is clear. That’s why people are joining the APC—because they see results. Stability in exchange rates, falling prices of rice, beans, etc, and improved infrastructure are realities we can’t ignore,” he stated.
Responding to speculations that the event was a subtle push for Deputy Speaker Kalu’s gubernatorial ambition in Abia, Onuigbo dismissed such claims, insisting that the focus remains on strengthening the party at all levels.
“This is not about speculation. People are joining because they see results, not just politics,” he said.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Pastor Pat Ikechi, who expressed gratitude to the APC leadership for the opportunity to contribute to the party’s vision.
“We will not fail you. God is with us. The people are with us. APC will grow stronger in Abia,” he affirmed.
