The political landscape in Abia State is witnessing a significant shift as the All Progressives Congress (APC) records a fresh wave of support. This momentum is attributed to sustained grassroots mobilisation efforts spearheaded by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
Widespread Defections Signal Political Realignment
According to a statement issued on Monday, January 5, 2026, in Umuahia by the APC South East Mandate Forum, the party is experiencing an unprecedented inflow of new members. The group reported that politicians and supporters from rival platforms, notably the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are defecting to the APC across various wards and local government areas.
The forum described this movement as a "people-driven process" where many former members have publicly renounced their old affiliations, even destroying their previous party membership cards. They credited this trend to growing dissatisfaction with the current state leadership and renewed confidence in the APC as a viable alternative for governance.
Benjamin Kalu's On-Ground Strategy Fuels Growth
The APC South East Mandate Forum emphasised that this surge is not accidental but the result of a deliberate, inclusive strategy. While many political figures were on holiday break, Benjamin Kalu remained actively engaged on the ground, listening to community concerns and rebuilding trust in the APC brand.
His outreach reportedly spanned key demographics including youth groups, women leaders, market associations, professionals, and traditional institutions. This hands-on approach, described as focusing on service rather than slogans, is said to have set him apart and directly driven the defections.
Strengthening Party Stability for the 2027 Elections
Beyond merely expanding its membership roster, the forum highlighted that this development is calming internal tensions within the Abia APC. Long-standing members who had become disillusioned are reportedly regaining confidence in the party's future direction.
The statement noted that Kalu's position as Deputy Speaker provides a crucial link between national authority and local aspiration, reassuring both old and new members. "What is happening today is not noise; it is structure. It is not propaganda; it is participation," the forum asserted, indicating that these grassroots activities are laying a solid foundation for the party's prospects in the 2027 general elections.
The statement was formally signed by Chief Onyebuchi Okorie, the coordinator of the APC South East Mandate Forum.
