APGA Asks Abaribe, Ikwechegh to Vacate National Assembly Seats Following Defections

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has called on Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Alex Mascot Ikwechegh to relinquish their National Assembly seats after defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Labour Party (LP), respectively.

APGA maintains that both lawmakers were elected under its platform, and their departure raises questions about the legitimacy of retaining the mandates.

Addressing reporters in Aba, the party’s Abia Publicity Secretary, Chukwuemeka Nwokoro, described the defections as anticipated, adding that they offer an opportunity for APGA to strengthen its position in the state.

“Their exit frees the party from previous political constraints and allows us to reposition for greater effectiveness,” Nwokoro said. He emphasized that the seats were secured on the strength of APGA’s platform, and stepping down would be the appropriate course of action.

While acknowledging that defections are common in Nigeria’s political landscape, the party rejected the notion that these developments would weaken its influence. Nwokoro criticized the lawmakers for contributing little to APGA’s growth in Abia State, accusing them of undermining its progress.

He added that the party, under the leadership of State Chairman Sunday Onukwubiri, is already preparing for the 2027 general elections, and urged aspirants to commit early to APGA rather than use it as a fallback option.

“APGA remains a formidable political force in Abia State, and we will continue to strengthen our foundation as we approach the 2027 elections,” Nwokoro concluded.