A major political shift has hit Imo State as Senator Athan Achonu, the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate, has officially defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Achonu made the announcement in Abuja, describing the move as a difficult but calculated decision shaped by extensive consultations across his political and personal network.
“This decision was not taken lightly,” he said, signalling both the weight of the move and its strategic intent. “It was driven by my conviction that APGA remains a truly progressive platform.”
His defection adds to the ongoing realignment within Southeast politics, where parties are quietly repositioning ahead of future elections.
Achonu, who previously represented Imo East in the Senate, framed his move as part of a broader effort to strengthen regional political influence and cohesion.
He called on political leaders—particularly those with grievances from past APGA primaries—to set aside differences and unite under a common platform.
“Nation building requires unity of purpose,” he said, extending his appeal beyond the Southeast to political actors across Nigeria.
Beyond party politics, Achonu used the moment to stake positions on key national issues.
He declared full support for the proposed creation of Anioma State, describing it as a necessary step toward fairness, inclusion, and balanced development.
“This is not about sectional interest. It is about inclusion, fairness, and bringing our brothers and sisters closer into a shared vision,” he said.
He also made a pointed appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.
According to him, such a move could ease tensions in the Southeast and potentially reshape political support in the region ahead of 2027.
Achonu’s message is layered—and deliberate.
On the surface, it’s a party switch. Underneath, it’s positioning: aligning with a regional platform, pushing unity, and tying political stability to national decisions.
The real question is whether this move strengthens APGA—or simply reshuffles familiar political actors into a new formation.
Either way, the Southeast political landscape just shifted again.
