By Adesakin Adefemi
On Tuesday evening, February 17, 2026, Uchenna Erondu Jnr, the representative for Obingwa‑West in the Abia State House of Assembly, announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his formal entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection, marked by a ceremony in Nenu, Obingwa LGA, was attended by former Deputy Governor Chris Akomas and a crowd of over 5,000 supporters, signaling a major realignment in Abia politics.
Erondu, who chairs the House Committee on Public Service Matters, said his move was driven by a desire to attract greater development to Obingwa LGA, Abia South, and the state at large. He pledged to sustain his record of effective representation and called on constituents to back the APC for continued progress.
“If I could accomplish what I did while in the PDP, I assure our people that with the APC platform, we will do even more. I urge sustained collaboration to consolidate the gains made so far by President Tinubu,” he declared, aligning himself with the president’s reform agenda.
He further expressed unequivocal support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re‑election bid, describing Tinubu’s policies as “bold and necessary for Nigeria’s long‑term growth,” and adding that “the re‑election of President Tinubu in 2027 is not negotiable.”
The defection followed weeks of intense lobbying by prominent APC figures, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Okezie Kalu, former Imo governorship candidate Uche Nwosu, and federal lawmaker Chris Nkwonta. A Saturday night meeting with Kalu reportedly sealed the invitation for Erondu to join the party.
Dr. Akomas, in his remarks, hailed Erondu as “a priceless political asset and an early foundation member of the APC in Abia,” noting his history as the party’s first Administrative Secretary in the state and a pioneer National Vice Chairman. Akomas expressed confidence that Erondu’s return would fortify the APC’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Erondu’s switch was not solitary; he was joined by former Obingwa LGA Chairman Hon. George Ubani, Hon. Chikezirim Monday Orji, and more than 5,000 supporters, a move stakeholders described as a major boost for the APC in Abia.
The ceremony attracted a high‑profile APC delegation, including Board of Trustees member Chief Sam Nkire, former Abia Speaker Rt. Hon. Christopher Enweremadu, Hon. Aaron Uzodike, Hon. Emmanuel Ndubuisi, Hon. Ebere Nwachukwu, and Mrs. Precious Achumba, among others, underscoring the party’s strategic interest in consolidating its hold on the region.
Political analysts view the defection as a significant blow to the PDP in Abia, potentially reshaping electoral calculations ahead of the next cycle. The state PDP chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, could not be reached for comment, leaving the opposition’s response uncertain.
As the dust settles, all eyes will be on how this high‑profile shift influences party dynamics, voter sentiment, and development projects in Obingwa and beyond, setting the stage for a fiercely contested 2027 election season.
