The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Honourable Rowland Chinwendu Dennis, the representative of Isialangwa South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, over allegations of engaging in anti-party activities. Dennis confirmed his expulsion in a letter dated February 25, 2025, addressed to the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly. In his letter, he explained that his support for Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party and his admiration for Otti’s policies and achievements were deemed unacceptable by PDP leadership in his ward, Omoba Ward 7. Dennis revealed that he was officially informed of his expulsion through a letter dated February 24, 2025, which was ratified by the PDP at the local government level.

Citing internal conflicts within the PDP at both the national and state levels, Dennis announced his decision to join the Labour Party. He expressed his excitement about the new political alignment, emphasizing that the Labour Party’s values of justice and fairness aligned with his political ideals. He also acknowledged the Labour Party as a strong and respected political institution that has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

This incident follows a similar pattern in Abia, where members of opposition parties have been expelled for supporting Otti’s administration. In May 2025, two lawmakers from the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Hon. Ahuama Fyne Onyekachi and Hon. Iheanacho Nwogu, were expelled for expressing support for Governor Otti.

This ongoing trend of defections from the PDP, which lost its 24-year rule in Abia during the 2023 elections, signals a shifting political landscape in the state, potentially benefiting the Labour Party as the 2027 general elections approach. Since the 2023 elections, several prominent PDP figures, including former state chairman Senator Emma Nwaka and former Speaker Hon. Chinedum Orji, have defected. With Dennis’s departure, the PDP now holds 11 seats in the 24-member state assembly.