The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded what it described as significant expansion of its grassroots support across Abia State, a development the party’s South East Mandate Forum has attributed to the sustained mobilisation efforts of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

In a statement issued on Monday in Umuahia, the forum said Kalu’s continuous political engagement at the community level has begun to reshape Abia’s political landscape, despite the state being governed by the Labour Party (LP). The group claimed the ruling party is gradually losing ground ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to the forum, Kalu’s leadership has sparked a wave of defections from the Labour Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political platforms, with thousands of politicians and grassroots supporters reportedly abandoning their former parties to align with the APC.

“Across wards, communities and local government areas in Abia State, we are witnessing an unprecedented political realignment driven by conviction, not coercion,” the statement said.

It added that recent events across the state have seen large numbers of former party members publicly renounce their affiliations and identify with the APC, citing renewed confidence in the party as a viable alternative.

“In recent times, we have witnessed events where thousands of former members of the Labour Party, PDP and other parties openly renounced their affiliations, tore their membership cards and willingly identified with the APC because they see direction, leadership and seriousness of purpose,” the forum stated.

The group said the growing momentum did not occur by chance, attributing it to what it described as Kalu’s consistent, people-centred and hands-on approach to party building. It noted that while many political leaders scaled down activities during the holiday period, the deputy speaker remained actively engaged at the grassroots.

“While others are resting, celebrating and issuing seasonal goodwill messages, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has chosen to work,” the statement said, adding that he has remained on the ground, strengthening party structures and engaging directly with stakeholders.

The forum said Kalu’s mobilisation strategy prioritised grassroots inclusion over elite consensus, with engagements spanning youth groups, market associations, professionals, women leaders and traditional institutions.

“This is not a movement restricted to political big men. It is a people-driven process,” the group said, noting that party confidence has increased as more citizens join the APC.

It also said the influx of new members has helped stabilise the APC internally in Abia, easing factional tensions and restoring confidence among long-standing members. According to the forum, Kalu’s standing within the national leadership of the APC has reassured defectors of relevance and protection within the party.

“As deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu represents a bridge between national authority and local aspiration,” the statement said.

The forum described the developments as an early indication of broader political shifts ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that the APC is steadily positioning itself as a serious contender in Abia State. The statement was signed by Chief Onyebuchi Okorie, coordinator of the APC South East Mandate Forum.