Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on Sunday received more than 100 defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.
The defection took place during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), a grassroots support structure for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Addressing a crowd of supporters at the event, Kalu commended the defectors for their “bold and progressive step,” urging them to remain committed to the development and unity of the South East under the APC.
The defectors, led by former PDP State Secretary, Barr. Ibe Nwadioha, pledged loyalty to President Tinubu, Kalu and the APC. Nwadioha described his switch to the ruling party as a political turning point in Obingwa.
“My entry into the APC has marked the collapse of every other political party in Obingwa Local Government,” Nwadioha said. “It’s a landmark entry, and it means the wind of change which you have brought is sweeping across Obingwa like a hurricane. We will support Mr. President.”
In a symbolic gesture of acceptance, Obingwa APC stakeholders honoured Kalu with a traditional attire and a machete, signifying strength, authority and courage. The presentation was led by a former South East representative at the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Dr. Nyerere Chinenye Ayim.
The warm reception underscored the growing political realignment in the area and highlighted the expanding influence of Kalu’s Renewed Hope Partners movement across Abia State.
