Over 200 PDP members defect to APC in Abia, back Deputy Speaker Kalu for another term

More than 200 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from across the 13 wards of Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State on Monday crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defectors, led by the Abia North Zonal Deputy Chairman of the PDP and former Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Hon. Gabriel Okereke Elendu, also declared support for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for a fresh term during a visit to him.

The political shift is being interpreted by supporters as a major boost for the APC in the constituency, with claims that the PDP structure in the area has significantly weakened ahead of the next election.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Elendu thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for backing Kalu’s emergence as Deputy Speaker.

He praised Kalu’s performance, saying he had attracted development projects and empowerment opportunities to the constituency. According to him, over 500 indigenes of Bende have benefited from job opportunities and other interventions since Kalu assumed office.

“We are grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the National Assembly for supporting our brother to become Deputy Speaker. We are proud of him. Bende is developing rapidly. He has empowered the people, built roads, hospitals, schools and bridges, and has facilitated jobs for more than 500 persons in Bende and across Abia State,” he said.

Elendu added that the group had unanimously agreed to back Kalu’s re-election, insisting that opposition in the constituency had effectively collapsed.

“There is no one left in PDP in Bende. We are fully united behind our brother. His victory will be effortless. Anyone contesting against him should reconsider. Our mandate in Bende is for Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR. We endorse him for another term,” he stated.

He also pledged support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We will also support the President and all APC candidates in the coming elections,” he added.

In his response, Kalu formally welcomed the defectors into the APC, presenting them with brooms, the party’s symbol, and assured them of continued service delivery.

“I will continue to serve you. Bende will keep having a voice in Abuja, and that has been the case. The Nkpa bridge was completed because you sent me to Abuja. My responsibility is to bring more development projects—schools, hospitals, electricity—to Bende, and there is still much to do. Let us work together and bring more people into the party,” he said.

He also urged continued support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, adding that success is achievable with collective effort and divine help.