By Fatima Ndagi
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has welcomed over 100 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.
The defection took place during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Obingwa Local Government Area on Sunday.
According to a statement signed by Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the event drew a massive crowd of supporters as the defectors, led by former PDP State Secretary, Barr. Ibe Nwadioha, pledged allegiance to the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Kalu commended their decision to join the ruling party, describing it as a sign of growing confidence in the government’s vision for national renewal and the South East’s integration into mainstream politics.
He told the new members that the APC remains committed to equitable development across Nigeria, including the South East, urging them to work for unity and progress at the grassroots.
In his remarks, Nwadioha declared that his entry into the APC signified a political turning point for the area.
“My entry into APC has marked the collapse of every other political party in Obingwa Local Government. It’s a landmark entry and it means that the wind of change you have brought is sweeping across Obingwa and coming like a hurricane. We will support Mr. President,” he said.
The event also featured the conferment of traditional honours on the Deputy Speaker. Obingwa APC stakeholders, including former Federal Commissioner at the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Dr. Nyerere Chinenye Ayim, presented Kalu with traditional attire and a machete — symbols of strength, leadership, and courage.
The gesture underscored the community’s warm reception of Kalu and the growing influence of the Renewed Hope Partners initiative in Abia State.