APC Gains Ground As Otti’s Aide Makes Surprise Party Switch

According to Ireporter Online, Iheanyi Chinasa, who served as the National Assembly Liaison Officer to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move that has attracted significant political attention in the South-East.

His defection was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by Levinus Nwabughiogu, media aide to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. The statement revealed that Chinasa, popularly known as “Dogo,” aligned himself with Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu during an APC stakeholders’ meeting held in Owerri, Imo State.

The gathering, which was convened by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, brought together key APC leaders and stakeholders as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s presence and influence across the South-East geopolitical zone.

Chinasa’s move is considered politically significant due to his previous role within the Abia State administration, where he worked closely with the Labour Party-led government as a liaison between the state executive and members of the National Assembly.

His defection also marks a notable political shift, given that he was once a contender against Benjamin Kalu during the 2023 general elections for the Bende Federal Constituency seat, where they stood on opposing political platforms.

Reacting to the development, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu welcomed Chinasa into the APC and expressed optimism that more political figures may join the party in the near future. He also urged party members and aspirants to remain focused as preparations intensify ahead of upcoming elections.