By Abdullahi Inuwa
As political activities begin to heat up ahead of the 2027 general elections, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has received Chief Chris Odinaka Igwe and his massive support base into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Umunneochi LGA, Abia State.
Chief Igwe, widely known as Chris Nak, is the CEO of Mainland Oil and Gas Limited and a well-known figure in both business and political circles. Formerly a key player in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he officially defected to the APC alongside over 13,000 members of the Chris Odinaka Igwe Friends Club (CFC).
Joining him were 27 PDP ward chairmen who dissolved their existing structures into the APC, vowing loyalty to Kalu and his inclusive political vision.
The influx of new members cited Kalu’s impactful leadership, particularly his push for the South East Development Commission (SEDC), as a major reason behind their defection.
Speaking at the ceremony held in Isiochi, the hometown of Chief Igwe, Kalu hailed the oil mogul’s decision to align with national politics and assured that the people of Umunneochi would benefit from the shift.
Accompanied by Abia APC Chairman, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, Kalu noted that the defectors are now part of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), the political platform supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection.
“Chris Igwe and I go way back—we’ve shared the same political platform in the past,” Kalu said. “He’s a man of integrity, a devout believer, and someone deeply committed to the well-being of his people. Whatever is meant for Isiochi always reaches them through him—and more.”
Kalu added, “Joining the APC is a strategic move. Chief Chris Igwe is not seeking personal gain; he’s doing this for the advancement of his community. Today, we welcome him and over 13,000 new members into the APC family. This is a clear sign that Isiochi is ready for mainstream politics.”
He noted the scarcity of symbolic party brooms at the event, jokingly saying it reflected the overwhelming interest from the local population to join the APC.
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