Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on Monday officially welcomed Chief Chris Odinaka Igwe into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
Chris Igwe, popularly known as “Chris Nak,” is the Chairman and CEO of Mainland Oil and Gas Limited and a former top member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He defected alongside over 13,000 followers, mostly from his political base — the Chris Odinaka Igwe Friends Club (CFC).
Among the defectors were also 27 PDP ward chairmen who collapsed their structures into the APC and pledged loyalty to Kalu’s leadership.
Kalu: ‘Igwe’s defection is a step for the people’
At a reception held in Isiochi, Igwe’s hometown, Deputy Speaker Kalu described the defection as a strategic move that aligns Umunneochi with the political centre, praising Igwe’s commitment to his community and national development.
“I welcome you to our great party, the APC. The decision you took is a commendable one. Chief Chris is a businessman. He’s comfortable but he has taken this decision for his people to bring them into mainstream politics. The people of Umunneochi will reap the benefits,” Kalu said.
He added, “We have seen that the broom is not enough to go round. It shows that too many people from Isiochi are desirous of joining APC. Thirteen thousand people today are joining APC. Thirteen thousand members of CFC. We welcome all of you to this big family of APC.”
‘Renewed Hope Partners’ and 2027 outlook
Flanked by Abia State APC Chairman Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, Kalu noted that the new members would automatically be part of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) — his newly launched grassroots support structure for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
“Chief Chris Igwe and I have been friends for a long time… I like him for his sincerity and love for his people. He has a good heart. He loves God too… Whatever you give him for Ndi Isiochi must surely get to them,” Kalu remarked.
The large-scale defection signals growing momentum for APC in Abia and could reshape the political landscape as the 2027 election approaches.
