Iheanyi Chinasa, the National Assembly Liaison Officer to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move seen as part of ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Chinasa, popularly known as Dogo, formally aligned with Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu during a meeting of APC stakeholders held in Owerri, Imo State.

The meeting, convened by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, brought together key figures within the party as part of efforts to strengthen its presence in the South-East region.

His defection is considered notable given his strategic position within the Labour Party-led administration in Abia, where he served as a key link between the state government and federal lawmakers.

The move also marks a shift in his political stance, as Chinasa had previously contested against Kalu for the Bende Federal Constituency seat in the 2023 elections and had been one of his critics.

Welcoming him into the party, Kalu described the defection as an indication of more prominent figures likely to join the APC in the coming months.

He noted that Chinasa, who hails from Bende Federal Constituency, would be fully integrated into the party’s structure.

“I am confident he will feel at home among party members,” Kalu said, while encouraging APC members and aspirants to remain committed and resilient.

He added that increased efforts within the party would continue to attract more supporters ahead of future elections.

Chinasa has not yet publicly explained the reasons behind his decision to leave the Labour Party.