Nigeria, Nov. 11 -- Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says he has formally welcomed over 100 defectors from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.

Mr Kalu said in a statement by his aide on Monday that the defections occurred during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Obingwa Local Government Area on Sunday, an event that drew a massive turnout of party supporters and residents.

These defections are a strategic gain for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, signalling potential realignments in the South-east where the PDP has traditionally held sway.

The formation of the RHP in Obingwa also indicates a deliberate effort to mobilise grass...