◾As over 100 PDP Leaders, 22,000 supporters defected with too
The Member representing Ideato Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Action Peoples Party (APP), marking a major political realignment in Imo State.
The defection took place alongside over 100 prominent leaders of the PDP and an estimated 22,000 supporters across Ideato Nation, including Local Government Chairmen of the PDP in Ideato, the State Secretary of the PDP, and a member of the PDP National Board of Trustees. Observers have described the movement as one of the most significant political shifts in Imo State in recent times.
Speaking at the event, the National Chairman of the Action Peoples Party, Barr. Uche Nnadi, who was present at the occasion, described the development as “not just an event, but a homecoming.” He expressed delight in welcoming Hon. Ugochinyere back to what he described as the political family he helped to build. He praised him as a formidable, courageous, and fearless voice in the National Assembly, noting that he enjoys overwhelming confidence and support from the people, as reflected in the massive turnout of supporters.
In his remarks, the Imo State Chairman of APP, Hon. Ernest Njesi, declared that the party has come to Imo State to stay. He welcomed Hon. Ugochinyere back to the party and recalled that on December 31, Dr. Mazi Chima Amadi also defected to the APP. He described Dr. Amadi as the next Governor of Imo State, affirming that the APP is resolute in its commitment to take over the leadership of the state in 2027.
Also speaking, Hon. Rufus Omire, former Member of the House of Representatives for Ideato Federal Constituency and a member of the PDP National Board of Trustees, said he attended the event in solidarity with his brother, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, noting that the large number of party leaders and thousands of supporters present was clear evidence of Ikenga’s widespread acceptance. He urged all opposition forces to unite against their common enemy, stressing that the entire Ideato Nation stands firmly behind Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Mazi Chima Amadi welcomed Hon. Ugochinyere into the APP family and called on his supporters—estimated at over 22,000 across Ideato Nation—who are yet to formally register as members of the party to do so without delay. He reaffirmed his resolve to liberate Imo State from those who have held it captive and driven it to decline, declaring emphatically, “Oge eruola maka ọdịmma ndi Imo.”
Delivering his keynote address, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere recounted the numerous political battles, persecutions, and litigations he endured while in the PDP, from internal party struggles up to the Supreme Court. He stated that despite standing firmly against the Uzodimma-led Imo State Government, the PDP failed to provide him with the needed support throughout the period of sustained attacks.
He recalled how his billboards were destroyed, his supporters arrested and detained at Tiger Base, and cited the case of an innocent young woman, Jennifer, who was arrested and detained for more than seven days simply for attempting to transport his campaign materials. He stated that she was held under degrading and inhumane conditions, even while on her menstrual cycle, with gross neglect of her dignity and welfare. According to him, these abuses occurred while he was simultaneously battling internal opposition within the PDP.
Hon. Ugochinyere described the Action Peoples Party as his true political home, declaring that the “elephant party” has come to stay and is widely accepted by the people of Ideato Nation, as demonstrated by the defection of leaders and the movement of over 22,000 supporters to the party. He explained that his decision to join the APP, rather than any other established political party, was driven by his desire to build a new political movement anchored on youth participation, courage, and progressive ideals.
He described the APP as a party for young people, energized by the passion and determination of a new generation. He warned that any further attempts to intimidate or attack him or his supporters would be firmly resisted. He also dismissed claims of plans to hijack or manipulate election results, assuring that such actions would be impossible in Ideato, as the people are prepared to defend their votes.
He concluded by thanking party leaders, supporters, and well-wishers who attended the event and pledged that he will not betray the trust and confidence reposed in him.
Notable leaders present at the occasion included, Hon. Rufus Omire, Former Member, House of Representatives, Ideato Federal Constituency, and PDP National Board of Trustees member, Chief Durukweaku Sylvester, Former PDP Chairman, Ideato South LGA, and PDP State Secretary, Barr. Uche Alisigwe, Ideato South PDP Chairman, Chief Tony Ebi, Barr. Udebuzo Ikezuoagu, Chief Emeka Ezeh, PDP Chairman, Ideato North, Chief Agaptus Alisiobi, among others
