The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria says it is witnessing a significant expansion of its support base in Abia State, fueled by a wave of defections from rival political parties. The party frames this movement as an early indicator of changing political loyalties in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Grassroots Engagement Drives Political Shift
In a statement issued in Umuahia on Monday, 5 January 2026, the APC South East Mandate Forum directly linked the recent political movements to a sustained, community-focused campaign spearheaded by Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Kalu is a key architect of the party's strategy in the South East region.
Abia State, currently under the control of the Labour Party (LP) following its strong performance in the 2023 polls, is now seeing what the APC describes as a growing exodus. The forum reported that politicians and their supporters are increasingly abandoning not just the LP, but also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other smaller groups to join the APC.
"Across communities in Abia, there is a visible realignment taking place," the statement declared, emphasizing that this shift was motivated by "conviction rather than pressure." The APC credited Kalu's hands-on approach, which involves consistent dialogue with local leaders, youth groups, market associations, women's organizations, and professionals, even during holiday periods when political activity usually declines.
Defections Signal Broader Regional Competition
The forum noted that defections have been recorded across multiple wards and local government areas, with some former members making public declarations of their new allegiance to the APC. According to the party, this trend points to rising discontent with the current state governance and a renewed look at the APC as a viable alternative.
While acknowledging that political realignments are commonplace before elections, the APC group insisted that the scale and visibility of the recent moves suggest a deeper change in public sentiment. An added benefit, the statement noted, is that the influx of new members has helped to stabilize internal party structures in Abia, reducing factional disputes and boosting morale among supporters.
The forum also highlighted that Benjamin Kalu's high-ranking position within the national APC leadership has given defectors confidence that they will have a voice and relevance within the party. As Deputy Speaker, he acts as a crucial bridge between national policy-making and local political ambitions.
Foundations for 2027 Being Laid Now
Political observers note that the evolving situation in Abia reflects the wider political contest in the South East, a region that has historically been a tough battleground for the APC but is becoming increasingly competitive. They warn, however, that early momentum does not guarantee electoral victory, especially in states where incumbent parties maintain strong local networks.
The APC forum stated that it views these developments as more than just routine party switches; it is considered essential groundwork for a longer-term strategy targeting the 2027 polls. The party stressed that its focus will remain on patient organization, unity, and sustained engagement with the people, avoiding aggressive rhetoric.
"As Abia moves closer to the next election cycle, the foundations being laid now will matter," the group asserted, describing the current phase as one of rebuilding and reconnecting with voters at the grassroots level. The statement was officially signed by Onyebuchi Okorie, the coordinator of the APC South East Mandate Forum.
