George OPARA
Chief Iheanyi Frank Chinasa (Dogo), the National Assembly Liaison Officer to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Chinasa announced his defection by attending the APC Critical Stakeholders meeting in Owerri, Imo State, convened by Governor Hope Uzodinma.
He was received into the party by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, a chieftain of the APC from Bende Federal Constituency.
The development is particularly striking given that Chinasa contested the 2023 election against Kalu for the Bende Federal Constituency seat and had remained critical of the Deputy Speaker since then. His defection now sees him pitch his tent with his former rival.
As Governor Otti’s link to the National Assembly, Chinasa coordinated legislative matters between the Abia State government and federal lawmakers from the state. His exit is considered a significant blow to the Labour Party-led administration in Abia, given his strategic role.
Kalu, who is also the leader of the APC in Abia State, welcomed Chinasa during the Owerri meeting, describing the defection as a sign of more high-profile entrants in the coming months. He urged party members to work hard for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Dogo ran election with me in Bende for House of Representatives and was later appointed by the governor as National Assembly Liaison Officer. He is from Bende and from Ikwu Isii, my own section of the constituency, and today, he has come to join our Party (APC). I am sure he will feel welcome seeing all these great men and women here”, said Kalu.
Kalu encouraged aspirants to remain strong-willed and courageous, adding, “The harder you work, the more people will want to join APC.”
Chinasa is yet to issue a formal statement detailing reasons for his move.
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