APGA Orders Abaribe, Ikwechegh to Step Down from National Assembly Positions Following Party Switch

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has demanded that Enyinnaya Abaribe and Alex Mascot Ikwechegh relinquish their seats in the National Assembly, following their defections to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Labour Party (LP), respectively.

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As APGA's Publicity Secretary in Abia State, Barr. Chukwuemeka Nwokoro, noted during a press conference in Aba, the party views the lawmakers' exit as a liberation from "political hostage and asphyxiation", given that their departure was anticipated.

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Nwokoro stated that the actions of Abaribe and Ikwechegh did not catch the party off guard, and instead, their exit is seen as a welcome development for APGA's speedy recovery and liberation.

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APGA is adamant that both lawmakers should immediately vacate their National Assembly seats, as they were elected on the party's platform, and it would be morally right for them to relinquish these positions.

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Nwokoro emphasized that the mandates held by Abaribe and Ikwechegh belong to APGA, and it is only honourable for the defectors to vacate their seats at the National Assembly.

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While acknowledging that political defections are a part of Nigeria's democratic culture, APGA maintained that the exit of the two lawmakers will not impact the party's fortunes.

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The party accused Abaribe and Ikwechegh of contributing minimally to APGA's growth in Abia State during their tenure as party leaders, with their actions amounting to "sabotage" against the party's development in the state.

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APGA claimed to have learned "bitter lessons" from the development and vowed to prevent political opportunists from hijacking the party in the future.

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The party assured its members and supporters that it would emerge stronger ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Nwokoro stating that APGA, under the leadership of Sunday Onukwubiri, is repositioning for greater success in the next electoral cycle.

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Nwokoro called on those interested in contesting elections on APGA's platform in 2027 to join the party early, warning that it would no longer serve as a "last resort" for desperate politicians.

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According to Nwokoro, APGA has come to stay in Abia State, and no amount of political shenanigans will distract the party as it moves towards 2027.