Rivers State Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu Defects to APC

 Rivers State Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu Defects to APC

Rivers State, Nigeria –  Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Nma Odu has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further consolidating the party’s influence in the state.

Odu completed her APC membership registration on January 4, 2026, at her polling unit in Akabuka town (Ward 8, Unit 11) in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA). After registering, she sang "On Your Mandate We Shall Stand," the popular APC anthem associated with President Bola Tinubu, and received her membership card.

Following her registration, Odu toured the six zones of ONELGA — Egi, Omoku, Osomini, Igburu, Egbema, and Ndoni — to mobilize residents for the ongoing APC e-registration exercise. She urged residents to register massively with the APC to demonstrate support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the move as strengthening grassroots alignment with both leaders.

This development comes after Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s defection to the APC in December 2025, when he was declared the APC leader in Rivers State by national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda. Several state and federal lawmakers from Rivers had already switched to the APC, clearing the way for Odu’s transition.

On the same day, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Benibo Anabraba resigned from the PDP, citing personal reasons, with reports suggesting he may also join the APC. A highlight of Odu’s tour was the defection of Labour Party members in Ndoni to the APC.

The move further strengthens APC control over Rivers State’s executive arm, amid the ongoing political rift with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who remains in the PDP. Analysts say this signals a significant realignment in the politics of the oil-rich state.

Sources: Punch Newspapers, Leadership, Legit.ng, Channels Television, The Cable (January 4–5, 2026)