A member of the House of Representatives representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, has officially joined the Action Peoples Party (APP) as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Ugochinyere’s defection follows his recent voluntary withdrawal from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing prolonged internal crises and unresolved leadership squabbles. His move marks a significant political realignment, given his status as a serving federal lawmaker and a prominent voice in the National Assembly.
Welcoming him into the party, the National President of the APP, Uchenna Kingsley Nnadi, described Ugochinyere’s decision as a significant boost for the party. He said the lawmaker’s entry would strengthen the APP’s national profile and expand its reach across the federation.
According to Nnadi, Ugochinyere did not join the APP out of frustration or desperation, but based on personal conviction and belief in the party’s vision. He said the APP is positioning itself as a credible political alternative for the people of Imo State and Nigerians at large.
“Ugochinyere identifying with APP is not only a big plus but a positive step that will boost the strength of the party to get a wider reach across the federation,” Nnadi said. “We welcome him wholeheartedly into our political family and assure him of our support in all his political engagements.”
While receiving his membership card in the presence of a large crowd of supporters, Ugochinyere expressed gratitude to the party leadership, describing his return to the APP as a “homecoming”. He revealed that he previously served as a vice chairman of the party.
The lawmaker explained that his decision to join the APP was informed by what he described as the party’s relative insulation from anti-democratic forces and internal hijackers. He argued that, unlike the PDP and other major parties, the APP has not been overtaken by interests determined to frustrate genuine democratic processes.
Ugochinyere attributed the PDP’s crisis to events following the party’s 2023 presidential primaries, where former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike lost to Atiku Abubakar. He claimed Wike’s refusal to accept defeat triggered deep internal divisions that continue to plague the party.
“Immediately after the presidential primaries, Wike went berserk and began to create one problem after another, recruiting his allies to destroy the party that made him,” Ugochinyere said. He accused Wike of operating a political style that runs contrary to democratic principles and has led to the PDP’s decline.
Maintaining that he had no regrets leaving the PDP, Ugochinyere said he had made several efforts to stabilise the party, despite facing multiple litigations and internal opposition. He urged his supporters and constituents to embrace the APP and obtain membership cards, declaring that a new political era had begun in Ideato and Imo State.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the lawmaker predicted a more challenging environment for electoral malpractice, citing increased international scrutiny. He encouraged voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, insisting that their votes would count.
Also speaking at the event, a governorship aspirant, Chima Amadi, said Ugochinyere made the right decision by joining the APP. He added that the lawmaker’s presence would strengthen efforts to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress and promote leadership based on fairness, equity and justice.
The event, held at Ideato North Model Primary School, Akokwa, attracted thousands of supporters and representatives of other political parties who attended in solidarity.
