Hon. Samuel Ifeanyi Onuigbo, a member of the Governing Board of the North-East Development Commission, has described the mass defection of key opposition figures to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a turning point in Abia’s political evolution.
Speaking during the official launch of the Abia Central chapter of Renewed Hope Partners in Umuahia, Onuigbo hailed the calibre of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), saying their decision reflects growing confidence in the APC’s leadership.
“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.”
He attributed the growing support for the APC to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including subsidy removal and fiscal realignment, which he said have boosted state revenues and contributed to declining fuel and food prices.
Onuigbo also commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for spearheading the Renewed Hope Partners initiative, describing it as a powerful grassroots mobilization tool designed to support President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
“The economic direction is clear. That’s why people are joining APC—because they see results, not just politics,” he added.
He dismissed speculations that the event was a veiled attempt to promote Kalu’s future governorship ambition, insisting the party’s focus is on inclusive development and national unity.
The event also featured the inauguration of APC executives in Ikwuano LGA and speeches from defectors who pledged loyalty to the party and commitment to strengthening the APC across Abia State.
