By Unadike William
Governor Hope Uzodimma on Monday, March 2, 2026, welcomed defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their decision, as a step towards unity and accelerated development in Imo state.
Addressing the decampees at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri, Uzodimma said the move was not about political history, but about “a new trajectory of development” for the state. “This decision is not about personal gain; it is in the interest of our people. The government of Imo state belongs to all of us,” he said.
The governor stressed the need for collective responsibility in governance, noting that insecurity and infrastructure challenges require joint efforts. He assured the new APC members of equal rights and opportunities, pledging to work closely with them and consider some for appointments.
Uzodimma also highlighted the historic contributions of the Igbo people to Nigeria’s development and called for renewed unity and focus. “We must move forward, not backward. The common denominator is the interest of our state and our people,” he stated.
He thanked the party leadership for receiving the defectors without discrimination.
The Imo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sir MacDonald Ebere, expressed joy that a number of quality members of the PDP have joined the All Progressive Congress and assured defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of full recognition and equal status in the party.
Sir Ebere described them as the “substance and oxygen” of the PDP, noting that their decision to join the APC marked a significant political shift in Imo State.
He praised Governor Hope Uzodimma for uniting the state through inclusive leadership and urged the new members not to fear marginalization. “You will retain your status and even be better recognised in the APC,” he said, adding that the party remains open and welcoming to all.
The decampees led by Evangelist Mike Ikoku, the coordinator of the Hopism movement acknowledged that they have all resigned from PDP and now duly registered in the APC E-registration.
He disclosed that the decampees include former members of the State working committee of the party (PDP), including former Local government party chairmen, former State organizing secretary, former financial secretary and legal adviser of PDP, former House of Assembly candidate and their supporters.
Expressing their joy, Hon. Jeff Nwachukwu, former PDP House of Assembly candidate, Mr. Mike Nkwocha, Ugorji Onuegbu and others who spoke, pointed out that their conviction to join APC was due to the leadership sagacity of Governor Uzodimma.
They maintained that the deflection was an expression of their support for the good governance in the State and the nation and pledged their loyalty to the APC ideals as they promised to join forces with the Governor to ensure APC victory and bring more dividends of democracy to the State.
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