Dep Speaker Kalu excited as PDP bigwig, Chris Igwe, 13,000 followers join APC

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The troubles of Nigeria’s main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, worsened on Monday with massive defection of its members led by oil magnate, Chief Chris Odinaka Igwe, into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

Igwe, popularly called Chris Nak who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mainland Oil and Gas Limited defected to the APC with over 13,000 followers who are also members of his Chris Odinaka Igwe Friends Club (CFC).

They were received into the party by the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu in Umunneochi Local Government of Abia State.

Also, 27 PDP Ward Chairmen announced collapse of their structures into the APC, pledging their unwavering loyalty to Kalu’s visionary leadership at the event.

The new members of the ruling party said that Kalu’s impactful legislative works, particularly the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) were their driving force to join the APC.

Speaking at the reception that held in Isiochi, the home country of the oil magnate, Kalu commended Igwe for his decision to connect with the centre, saying that the people of Umunneochi local government area will not regret the move.

Accompanied by the Abia State Chairman of APC, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, the Deputy Speaker added that the defectors have automatically become members of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), a structure he recently unveiled for the reelection bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said: “Chief Chris Igwe and I have been friends for a long time. We have been in politics for a long time also. We were together in one political party before but he left for another one. But nevertheless, we have continued to be good friends since them. 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. In fact, he will even add his own. He’s doing well in his business, well known around the country.

“I welcome you to our great party, the APC. The decision you took is a commendable one. Chief Chris is a business man. He’s comfortable, but he has taken this decision for his people to bring them into the mainstream politics. The people of Umunneochi will reap the benefits. So, on behalf of the national chairman of the party and the State Chairman his representing, we are handing over this broom. I welcome you to Renewed Hope Partners. You are now members of this group.

“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.”