By Victor Nwegede
Ebonyi State politics was thrown into a new gear on Thursday as more than 2,000 members of the opposition dumped their parties to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikwo Local Government Area.
The high-profile defections coincided with the endorsement of Hon. Chinedu Ogah, for a third term in the House of Representatives by APC stakeholders in Ndufu Amagu Ward 1.
The expanded ward meeting, held at Ndiofoke Playground, drew a massive crowd of party faithful, community leaders, and political stakeholders, and was seen as a direct signal of APC’s tightening grip on the grassroots ahead of the 2027 elections.
Party executives reaffirmed support for the second-term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, describing their administrations as “courageous, reform-driven, and people-oriented.” They hailed Tinubu’s economic restructuring efforts and Nwifuru’s social and infrastructural projects, pledging to deliver overwhelming support in 2027.
Hon. Chinedu Ogah’s third-term endorsement was the central highlight of the gathering. Stakeholders lauded his achievements in Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, citing his empowerment programmes, road projects, and humanitarian outreach as the clearest evidence of responsive representation.
The defection of over 2,000 members from the PDP, Labour Party, APGA, and ADC was received with jubilation. According to party leaders, the mass entry reflects deepening cracks in opposition structures and growing confidence in the APC as the dominant political platform in Ebonyi.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Nwanchor Chinasa, Coordinator of Ikwo South Development Centre, commended Governor Nwifuru’s governance style and urged the defectors to integrate fully into the APC. She also distributed food items to attendees in celebration of the landmark defections.
Also addressing the crowd, Maduabuchi Nwanchor, Councilor representing Ndufu Amagu Ward 1, praised President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru for prioritizing workers through wage increases and employment opportunities. He said APC’s policies are resonating with ordinary citizens and driving realignment in Ebonyi politics.
The ward further expressed appreciation to APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, and the State Working Committee for steering the party with discipline and unity despite mounting political competition.
In her closing remarks, Acting Ward Vice Chairman, Mrs. Theresa Igboji, urged members to remain steadfast and prepare for the battles ahead. “Better days are ahead under the current leadership,” she assured.
With the twin developments of Ogah’s endorsement and the massive defection, political analysts say the APC has dealt a major blow to opposition parties in Ebonyi, signaling that the ruling party is firmly entrenching itself as the dominant force in the state’s political landscape.
