Otti’s Aide Defects to APC

In a move signaling significant political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, Iheanyi Chinasa, the National Assembly Liaison Officer to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This development, disclosed in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, marks a notable shift in the political landscape, particularly within the South-East geopolitical zone.

Chinasa, also known as Dogo, joined the APC during a stakeholders' meeting in Owerri, Imo State, convened by the state Governor Hope Uzodinma. This meeting was part of the APC's broader strategy to consolidate its presence and strengthen its structure in the South-East. Chinasa's defection is particularly noteworthy given his strategic position within the Labour Party-led administration in Abia State, serving as a crucial link between the state government and federal lawmakers. His previous role and past political contests, including running against Kalu for the Bende Federal Constituency seat in 2023, add a layer of intrigue to his current alignment.

“

Dogo ran election with me in Bende for House of Representatives and was later appointed by the governor as National Assembly Liaison Officer. He is from Bende and from Ikwu Isii, my own section of the constituency and today, he has come to join our Party (APC).

Welcoming Chinasa, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu highlighted the defection as an indicator of more high-profile entrants expected to join the APC in the coming months. Kalu expressed confidence that Chinasa would be warmly received within the party fold and encouraged other party members and aspirants to remain committed. While Chinasa has yet to publicly state his specific reasons for the defection, the move is widely interpreted as a strategic maneuver within Nigeria's dynamic political environment. From the perspective of the APC, particularly in the South-East, this is viewed as a victory, strengthening their base and signaling momentum towards the next electoral cycle.

“

I am sure he will feel welcome seeing all these great men and women here. So, I want to encourage everybody especially the aspirants to be strong willed and courageous and to keep pushing. The harder you work, the more people will want to join APC.