The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has urged Hon. Uchenna Jnr. Erondu, the Obingwa West member of the Abia State House of Assembly, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Kalu made the appeal on Saturday during a visit to Erondu’s residence to congratulate him on a recent constituency empowerment programme in Obingwa Local Government Area. The Deputy Speaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, said Erondu’s time in the PDP has “expired” and invited him and his supporters to join APC and the Renewed Hope Partners, a grassroots group promoting Tinubu’s agenda.
“The room is big enough for everyone,” Kalu said, praising Erondu’s work for constituents and urging Ndi Obingwa to join efforts to “deliver Mr. President to come back and complete what he has started.” He also lauded President Tinubu’s policies, saying they have begun to positively impact lives despite public criticism of some decisions.
Erondu responded by thanking Kalu for the visit and pledged to consult his constituents before deciding on any defection. He also assured the Deputy Speaker of his commitment to delivering votes for Tinubu in Abia South, saying campaign visits by the President would be unnecessary in the area.
Kalu’s appeal comes amid reported growth in APC membership in Abia following the party’s recent e-registration exercise. The visit and statements were detailed in a press release signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker.
