The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), completing her party registration in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of the state.
Professor Odu registered as a member of the APC at Ward 8, Unit 11, in Akabuka town, marking a significant political development in Rivers State. Her defection comes shortly after Governor Siminalayi Fubara also joined the ruling party, further consolidating the APC’s growing influence in the state.
The deputy governor’s registration took place during a tour of the six zones of ONELGA, which was organised to sensitise residents and party faithful on the ongoing APC electronic registration and revalidation exercise. The tour was aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structure and encouraging wider participation ahead of future elections.
Addressing party members and residents during the exercise, Professor Odu urged eligible citizens to take advantage of the registration drive by enrolling massively into the APC. She stressed that active participation at the grassroots level was critical to building a strong and united party capable of delivering good governance.
She called on supporters to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, noting that aligning with the ruling party at the federal and state levels would attract more development opportunities to Rivers State.
According to her, the APC provides a platform for inclusive governance and sustainable development, adding that strengthening the party’s base would enhance its capacity to respond to the needs of the people.
Professor Odu’s defection is seen by political observers as a major boost for the APC in Rivers State, particularly in ONELGA, a politically strategic area with significant economic importance due to its oil and gas resources. Her move is also expected to influence other political actors and supporters within the state’s political landscape.
Party leaders in the area welcomed the deputy governor into the APC, describing her decision as timely and strategic. They expressed optimism that her experience in public service and academia would add value to the party’s leadership and mobilisation efforts.
The ongoing APC electronic registration exercise is part of the party’s nationwide effort to update its membership database, attract new members, and prepare for upcoming electoral contests. With the entry of top government officials like Governor Fubara and his deputy, the APC is expected to intensify its grassroots engagement across Rivers State in the coming months.
