Abia Governor’s Liaison Officer, Iheanyi Chinasa, Defects to APC

Iheanyi Chinasa, the National Assembly Liaison Officer to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The development was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Levinus Nwabughiogu, media aide to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

According to the statement, Chinasa—popularly known as “Dogo”—officially aligned with the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, during a gathering of APC stakeholders held in Owerri, Imo State.

The meeting, which was convened by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, had in attendance several party leaders and stakeholders. It was part of broader efforts by the APC to consolidate and expand its political base in the South-East region.

Chinasa’s defection has attracted attention given his strategic role in the Abia State Government, where he served as a key liaison between the state administration and members of the National Assembly under the Labour Party-led government.

His political move also represents a significant shift, having previously contested the Bende Federal Constituency seat against Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu in the 2023 general elections, when he was not aligned with the APC leadership.

Reacting to his defection, Kalu welcomed Chinasa into the party and expressed optimism that more political figures may join the APC in the coming months. He also urged party members and aspiring candidates to remain committed as preparations intensify ahead of future elections.