Amby Uneze in Owerri
A member representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State in the National Assembly and Chairman – House Committee on petroleum downstream sector, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere has finally dumped the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the Action People's Party (APP) along with numerous members of other opposition parties in an elaborate ceremony held in his Constituency amidst pomp and pageantry on Wednesday, December 7, 2026.
This landmark occasion, held at St. Peter’s Field, Akokwa in Ideato North Local Government Area of the State, marks the end of his PDP membership and the beginning of a new era of progressive politics with the Action People's Party (APP).
Ugochinyere, a vibrant, cerebral, and upwardly mobile lawmaker in the 10th National Assembly, has long been recognized as one of Nigeria's most visible and effective parliamentarians, as his defection to APP represents the biggest political catch in recent Imo history, which according to him 'signalled a decisive shift toward a platform committed to genuine democratic ideals.'
The event drew widespread attention and underscored the growing momentum of APP as an emerging political force in the State.
On hand to receive him were the national leadership of APP, led by its National Chairman, Barr. Uchenna Nnadi. Playing host were members of the Imo State Interim Executive Committee, led by Hon. Ernest Njesi, who ensured the seamless integration of Hon. Ugochinyere into the party as their presence highlighted the unity and organizational strength of the party at both national and state levels.
Also gracing the occasion was the state leader of APP, Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, alongside dedicated members of The Mazi Organization (TMO), prominent among whom were Hon. Henry Onwukwe and Hon. Michael Crown Njoku.
In his welcoming address, National Chairman of the party, Barr. Uchenna Nnadi described the defection as Hon. Ugochinyere's official homecoming to his true political family. "We extend our arms wide open to welcome Ikenga home," he stated, emphasizing that APP is the natural abode for principled leaders committed to the people's welfare. This heartfelt reception set a tone of celebration and solidarity.
The party's State leader, Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, hailed Hon. Ugochinyere as the most courageous and dogged political activist of this century. He praised his invaluable contributions to national political discourse, noting how they have shaped conversations and influenced policy directions, adding "his entry strengthens our resolve to deliver transformative governance in Imo State."
Addressing the crowd after his formal entry into APP, Hon. Ugochinyere expressed profound gratitude to his constituents for their uncommon and unalloyed solidarity. He credited their unwavering support as the pillar of his successful political journey and vowed to continue honoring their trust through dedicated service.
The Akokwa-born legal icon turned political activist explained that his choice of APP aligns perfectly with the yearnings and aspirations of the people. "We seek a platform that embodies our cherished democratic values and the ethos of fairness, justice, and equity," he declared, highlighting APP's commitment to these principles as the driving force behind his decision.
Ugochinyere did not mince words in critiquing his former party, accusing some PDP leaders of sabotage and inflicting self-induced political injuries that weakened the party from within. He portrayed his defection as a necessary step to escape such internal discord and join a vibrant, forward-looking movement like APP.
Reaffirming his dedication, he assured the people of Imo State and his Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of his unwavering commitment to their well-being through quality representation. He pledged to leverage his position in the National Assembly to advocate for policies that uplift communities and foster development.
Ugochinyere expressed confidence in APP's readiness to oust the "poverty-inflated" All Progressives Congress (APC) government in Imo State, adding "we are prepared to match and surpass their efforts, delivering the accountable and people-centered leadership that Imo deserves."
Commenting on the recent happenings in Venezuela, Ugochinyere extolled members of the International community for their quick interventions in countries where democracy has come under serious threat, citing the recent incident in Venezuela as a case in point.
He lamented that what took place in Venezuela bore similarities with the situation in Imo state, saying “International Community should beam their satellite in Imo because we are in danger”.
Ugochinyere passionately implored the presidency to call to order, politicians who indulge in executive recklessness with impunity by arresting and clamping imagined opponents in detention where they languish and are mercilessly tortured on trumped-up changes.
“Those who portend dangers to our democracy should be arrested and dealt with according to what the law says because when you take away the right of the people to freely choose their leaders, arrest and torture them and also rig elections to bulldoze your way to power, you pose a dangerous threat to our democracy," he said
The legislator who pleaded with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take necessary steps and avert further attacks and destruction of his property by some agents of the ruling government also cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike to desist from generating "senseless and avoidable crisis all over the place and also desist from attacking and insulting those who groomed, nurtured and brought him to political limelight."
“Wike should allow the voice of reason to prevail especially about what is happening in Rivers State, I can only advise him candidly in a way other people might not be sincere and bold to do so.
“Wike, stop what you are doing, you are my friend. PDP made you local government chairman, minister and also governor. Think about your children. Those who are hailing you for what you are doing are just damaging you and are not sincere.
"They are clapping for you because of what they want to get from you," he stated.
Ugochinyere equally took exception to recent diatribe against the President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo (World Wide). Azuta Mbata by Wike for reportedly telling him (Wike) the truth.
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