Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has graciously welcomed over 3,000 new members from a variety of politicalp parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State. This significant mass defection occurred in Akwete, Ndoki (located within the Ukwa East Local Government Area) during an empowerment program organized by Hon. Chris Nkwonta, who serves as the representative for both Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd from these local government areas—who proudly displayed the APC's signature broom emblem—Kalu revealed that additional defections to the APC are anticipated.
He emphasized that this move serves as a testament to the citizens’ recognition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to the development of the Igbo community. This commitment is particularly evident through the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), although there remain challenges ahead. However, the momentum generated by this defection signals a shift in political allegiance that could reshape the landscape in the region.
Kalu stated:
The President has accomplished a multitude of initiatives for Ndigbo (and he continues to expand these efforts). He stands out as the sole leader who, after 54 years, has delivered on the commitments of reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation for Ndigbo. With a commitment to equity and fairness, he enacted the South East Development Commission bill into law to address the devastation inflicted by the civil war. As the leader of our party, he has tasked us with mobilizing the grassroots to adopt his developmental vision for Igbo land. “Because of your decision to join the APC, it shall be well with you. The APC has drawn closer to the people. On behalf of our party, we extend a warm welcome to you. We acknowledge your capabilities and contributions. However, with these notable figures departing from the PDP and other parties to align with the APC, what remains of the opposition? The parties have collapsed and everyone is here. We will empower you to empower others (this is essential for our collective progress).”
Kalu, who received the distinguished chieftaincy title of *Enyioha of Ukwa Kingdom*, encouraged the populace to persist in their support for President Tinubu’s administration. He assured them that the Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituencies (located in Abia State) along with the broader Igbo region would reap the rewards of democracy under the APC. Among those who defected was Hon. Emeka Stanley; he was a former Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and a previous member of the House of Representatives. However, many remain skeptical about these claims, because they have heard similar promises before. Although the optimism is palpable, some doubt lingers in the community.
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