A major political shift has emerged in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections as Chief Iheanyi Frank Chinasa, popularly known as Dogo, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move seen as strengthening the camp of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
Chinasa, who serves as the National Assembly Liaison Officer to Governor Alex Otti, formally aligned with the APC during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened in Owerri by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma.
The defection is widely viewed as a significant development given Chinasa’s strategic role within the Labour Party-led administration in Abia, where he coordinated legislative engagements between the state government and federal lawmakers.
Political observers note that the move signals deepening realignments and intensifying political maneuvering ahead of 2027, particularly in Abia’s Bende Federal Constituency, where Chinasa had contested against Kalu in the 2023 House of Representatives election.
Despite their past rivalry, Chinasa’s decision to join forces with Kalu underscores a shift in alliances that could reshape the political landscape of the state.
Welcoming him into the APC fold, Kalu described the development as a sign of growing momentum for the party, hinting at more high-profile defections in the coming months.
“Dogo ran election with me in Bende and has now joined our party. I am sure he will feel welcome. The harder you work, the more people will want to join APC,” Kalu said, urging party members to remain steadfast and committed to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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Chinasa is yet to publicly disclose the reasons behind his defection.
Analysts say the move not only boosts APC’s structure in Abia but also reinforces Kalu’s growing political influence in the state, positioning the party as a formidable contender as the 2027 elections approach.
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