In a major political realignment, the former Governor of Abia State and two-term Senator, Theodore Ahamefule Orji (Ochendo), has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection was confirmed today, Monday, 05 January 5 2026, following the completion of membership formalities with the ruling party’s leadership. The move comes just days after the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, paid a high-profile New Year homage to Orji at his Umuahia residence, signalling the strategic merger.
Orji, who served as Abia Governor from 2007 to 2015 and represented Abia Central in the Senate until 2023, had previously announced his retirement from active politics. However, his return to the fray under the APC banner has sent shockwaves through the South-East political landscape.
Orji’s departure from the PDP was finalized via a letter addressed to his ward chairman, citing “wide consultations with family and associates.”
The move follows the path of his son, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji (former Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly), who joined the APC in late 2024.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu revealed that President Bola Tinubu expressed “great happiness” upon hearing of Orji’s decision, viewing it as a boost for national cohesion and the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Orji’s defection is widely seen as a tactical maneuver to bolster the APC’s presence in a state currently governed by the Labour Party (LP) under Alex Otti.
The defection occurs against the backdrop of ongoing legal challenges for the former governor. As of late 2025, the EFCC was still pursuing a 16-count charge against Orji and his associates involving the alleged misappropriation of ₦47 billion during his tenure as governor. Critics of the move suggest the defection may be a search for “political protection,” a claim Orji’s camp has consistently denied.
While Orji has yet to deliver a full public address on his reasons for joining the APC, allies suggest he believes the South-East’s interests are better served by aligning with the federal government.
“We are going to leverage your wealth of experience and loyalty base. We are so blessed; thank you for joining Mr. President.” – Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker.
