Fresh political tension is brewing in Abia State after the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) demanded that two federal lawmakers — Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and House of Representatives member Alex Mascot Ikwechegh — relinquish their seats in the National Assembly following their defection to other political parties.
The Abia State chapter of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) insists that both lawmakers were elected on its platform and should vacate their positions after switching political allegiance.
Party Says Mandates Belong to APGA
Addressing journalists in Aba, the party’s Publicity Secretary in Abia State, Chukwuemeka Nwokoro, said the defections did not come as a shock to the party leadership.
According to him, Senator Abaribe has moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Ikwechegh defected to the Labour Party Nigeria (LP).
Nwokoro argued that the lawmakers’ mandates were secured through APGA’s platform and that stepping down would be the morally appropriate course of action.
“Those positions were obtained on the strength of APGA’s platform, and it is only proper that they step aside after leaving the party,” he said.
‘Defection Will Strengthen APGA’
Despite losing two high-profile lawmakers, APGA said the development could help reposition the party ahead of future elections.
Nwokoro described their exit as a “welcome development,” suggesting that it would remove political constraints that had previously slowed the party’s growth in Abia.
“The actions of these individuals were not unexpected. Their departure will help reposition and strengthen APGA in Abia State,” he stated.
The party also accused the defecting lawmakers of contributing little to its expansion in the state and alleged that their presence had hindered progress.
Focus Turns to 2027 Elections
APGA leaders say the experience has prompted a strategic rethink as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
Nwokoro said the party, under the leadership of Abia State chairman Sunday Onukwubiri, has already begun efforts to rebuild and strengthen its structure across the state.
He urged prospective candidates interested in contesting elections on the party’s platform to join early, stressing that APGA would no longer serve as a last-minute political refuge.
“APGA remains a formidable political force in Abia State, and we will not be distracted as we prepare for the 2027 elections,” he said.
The defections add to the growing wave of political realignments across Nigeria as parties position themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.
