By Gloria Ikibah
The political landscape in Abia State shifted on Sunday as more than one hundred members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Obingwa Local Government Area.
The event, which drew a massive crowd of supporters and party faithful, was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who welcomed the new members and commended their decision to align with the APC and support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. 
Leading the group of defectors, Barr. Ibe Nwadioha, a former PDP State Secretary, declared that their move signalled the decline of other political parties in Obingwa, pledging total loyalty to the APC and its leadership.
In appreciation of Kalu’s developmental strides and his role in promoting unity across Abia, the Obingwa community also honoured the Deputy Speaker during the ceremony, describing him as a bridge-builder and a key advocate for progress in the South East.
He said: “My entry into APC has marked the collapse of every other political party in Obingwa Local Government. It’s a landmark entry and it means that the wind of change which you have brought is sweeping across Obingwa and it’s coming like a hurricane. We will support Mr. President.”
Meanwhile, Obingwa APC stakeholders which included a former federal commissioner who represented the South East at the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Dr Nyerere Chinenye Ayim honoured the Deputy Speaker with a traditional attire and a matchete, symbolizing strength and courage.
The gesture which highlighted the warm reception of the Deputy Speaker by the people of Obingwa further underscored the significance of Kalu’s visit and the impact of the Renewed Hope Partners in the local government area.
