APGA Demands Abaribe, Ikwechegh Vacate National Assembly Seats After Defection to ADC, Labour Party

Fresh political tension is brewing in Abia State as the state chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has asked two federal lawmakers, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, to relinquish their seats in the National Assembly of Nigeria following their recent defections to other political parties.

The party said both lawmakers won their elections under the APGA platform and should therefore step down after moving to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Labour Party (LP) respectively.

APGA reacts to defections

Speaking during a press briefing in Aba, the party’s publicity secretary in Abia State, Chukwuemeka Nwokoro, said the lawmakers’ departure did not come as a shock to the party leadership.

According to him, the development has instead created an opportunity for APGA to rebuild and strengthen its structure within the state.

“The actions of these individuals were not unexpected. In fact, their departure is a welcome development that will help reposition and strengthen APGA in Abia State,” Nwokoro said.

He maintained that the two legislators secured their mandates through APGA and that it would be morally appropriate for them to vacate the positions they currently occupy in the National Assembly.

“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 added.

Party insists defections won’t weaken APGA

While acknowledging that party defections remain a common feature of Nigeria’s political landscape, the party insisted the move would not weaken its influence in Abia State.

APGA also accused the lawmakers of contributing little to the party’s development during their time within its ranks, alleging that their actions hindered the party’s growth.

Nwokoro said the experience has provided important lessons for the party, noting that it will be more cautious about the type of politicians it offers its platform to in the future.

Focus shifts to 2027 elections

The party further assured its supporters that it remains focused on strengthening its base ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Nwokoro, the party leadership in the state, led by chairman Sunday Onukwubiri, has already begun repositioning efforts aimed at improving its performance in the next electoral cycle.

He also urged politicians interested in contesting under APGA in 2027 to join the party early, stressing that the party would no longer serve as a last-minute option for aspirants seeking political tickets.

“APGA remains a formidable political force in Abia State, and we will not be distracted as we prepare for the 2027 elections,” Nwokoro said.