The political landscape of Abia State, particularly Bende Federal Constituency, witnessed a significant shift on Sunday, April 26, as prominent grassroots leader and political mobilizer, Hon. Iheanyi Frank Chinasa (Dogo Bende), formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside well over 2,000 supporters drawn from his formidable political structures— Dogo Vanguard, Dogo Strategic Network, and the entire executives and members of the Labour Party in Uzuakoli Ward.
The historic movement also included the Labour Party Uzuakoli Ward structure led by the Ward Chairman, Mazi Nduaka Moses, signaling a major consolidation of political strength within Bende.
The defection ceremony commenced with an official reception by stakeholders and leaders of the APC in Uzuakoli Ward at the Civic Centre, Uzuakoli, where party faithful, supporters, and community leaders gathered in celebration of what many described as a new dawn for Bende politics.
Speakers at the event unanimously declared that Bende has become united, noting that the renewed spirit of cohesion is inspired by the leadership philosophy of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and being effectively replicated in Abia by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
The event later moved to Dogo’s Ville, the country home of Hon. Chinasa, where top-ranking APC officials from across the state converged to welcome the newest political force into the party.
Representing the Abia State APC Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, was Dr. Mba Imo, APC State Vice Chairman, Abia North. Other notable party leaders in attendance included:
Hon. Eric Dwyse Ikwuagwu, State Deputy Publicity Secretary
Chief Charles Onukwuo, Abia North Zonal Organizing Secretary
High Chief Okechukwu Okorie, Coordinator, Renewed Hope Partners, Isuikwuato LGA
Chief Collins Agwu, APC Organizing Secretary, Ohafia LGA
Chief Lekwa Ezeikpe, Chairman of All Chairmen, Ohafia LGA
In their separate remarks, party leaders described Hon. Chinasa as a political heavyweight, grassroots commander, and a force to reckon with, emphasizing that the APC is proud to receive a man of his political value and widespread acceptance.
They commended him for recognizing the sterling leadership and developmental efforts of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and for choosing to align with the APC’s progressive vision for the advancement of Bende, Abia State, and Nigeria at large.
In his address, Hon. Iheanyi Frank Chinasa delivered a symbolic and memorable statement, declaring that:
> “The stay in the Labour room is long overdue. It is now time for delivery.”
He noted that the moment had come to join the true deliverers of Bende, to support the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stand firmly with Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and pursue his long-standing dreams for the growth and progress of Bende Federal Constituency.
The high point of the ceremony was the formal presentation of the APC party flag and the Aziza, the symbolic emblem of the party, to Hon. Chinasa.
In a powerful display of conviction and loyalty, Hon. Chinasa, surrounded by thousands of enthusiastic supporters, joined in singing the Mandate Song, affirming his commitment to the ideals and mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.
The defection of Hon. Iheanyi Frank Chinasa and his vast political family is widely seen as a major boost for the APC in Abia North and a strategic turning point in the evolving political dynamics of Bende Federal Constituency.
