The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost a seat in the Abia State House of Assembly after Dennis Rowland Chinwendu, the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa South, moved to the Labour Party (LP).

Chinwendu’s defection was officially announced on the floor of the House on Tuesday. His decision comes just a week after PDP leaders in his ward suspended him for alleged anti-party activities. One of the main accusations against him was his open support for Governor Alex Otti’s second-term ambition.

His move has fueled speculation that he is positioning himself for future political opportunities in 2027. Notably, Chinwendu and Governor Otti both hail from the same constituency.

However, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Abia State, Eric Ikwuagwu, claimed the party was unaware of the defection. He also alleged that Chinwendu orchestrated his own suspension to justify leaving the PDP.

With this development, the Labour Party gains another seat in the Abia State Assembly, while the PDP faces internal challenges.