Iheanyi Frank Chinasa, popularly known as Dogo and former National Assembly Liaison Officer to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has officially defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The political shift was confirmed during a high-profile APC stakeholders’ meeting held in Owerri, Imo State, on Sunday, convened by Governor Hope Uzodinma. Chinasa, who is currently aspiring for the Bende Federal Constituency seat, attended the event alongside Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, marking a significant realignment in Abia State’s political landscape.
Chinasa’s move comes after he contested the 2023 general election for the Bende Federal Constituency seat but lost to Benjamin Kalu, who won the election under the APC banner. Despite the defeat, Chinasa remained active in politics as the governor’s Liaison Officer to the National Assembly, a position that placed him at the center of legislative and executive coordination in Abia State. His close association with Governor Otti and his influence in Bende Local Government Area and Abia North Senatorial District made his defection a notable development in the state’s political dynamics.
Benjamin Kalu, who has known Chinasa for years, confirmed the switch during the APC meeting. He emphasized their shared political history, noting that Chinasa had run alongside him in the 2023 election. “Dogo (Chinasa) ran election with me in Bende for House of Representatives and was later appointed by the governor as National Assembly Liaison Officer,” Kalu stated. He added that Chinasa hails from Ikwu Isii, a community within Kalu’s own section of the constituency, reinforcing their regional and political ties.
Kalu expressed confidence that Chinasa would be warmly welcomed into the APC, highlighting the party’s openness to credible and committed individuals. The defection is seen as a strategic boost for the APC in Abia North, especially as the party prepares for upcoming elections and seeks to consolidate its influence in the region. Chinasa’s experience and grassroots network in Bende could play a crucial role in strengthening the APC’s campaign machinery in the area.
The move also signals a potential shift in alliances within Abia State politics, where the Labour Party has been a key player under Governor Otti’s administration. While the LP has not yet responded publicly to the defection, political analysts suggest that Chinasa’s switch may influence other party members to reconsider their affiliations. His decision to join the APC underscores the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where personal and strategic considerations often drive party changes.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Chinasa’s entry into the APC is expected to add momentum to the party’s campaign efforts in Abia State. His presence may also intensify competition in the Bende Federal Constituency, where he is now positioned to challenge for the seat again under a new party banner. The political landscape in Abia continues to evolve, with this defection marking a significant chapter in the state’s electoral narrative.
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