A former senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Nkechi Nwaogu, has become the latest political heavyweight to abandon the ruling party — joining a growing list of defectors that already includes former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, former minister Isa Pantami, and former Delta Speaker Victor Ochei.
‘I Have Left the Party’
Nwaogu, who also represented Osisioma Ngwa/Obingwa/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, confirmed her defection in a telephone interview to Punch Newspapers on Thursday.
“I can confirm that I have left the party,” she said, attributing her decision to alleged injustice within the APC.
Primary Election ‘Shenanigans’
The former senator’s exit followed the outcome of the APC primary election in which her rival, Emeka Atuma, emerged winner.
Speaking on the development, Nwaogu alleged that there was no proper election in her zone.
“In my zone, there was no election. I know I have an advantage in my zone. When I saw the shenanigans of them trying to destroy the party we built, I knew they are losing touch,” she said.
She also accused some party members of deviating from the truth and working against the interests of the party.
NDC Talks, Failed APC Pleas
There had been speculations in recent weeks that Nwaogu was in talks with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while APC leaders were said to have made efforts to persuade her to remain in the ruling party.
APC Claims Ignorance
Meanwhile, the APC in Abia State said it had yet to receive any formal notification of her resignation.
The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Uche Aguoru, speaking to PUNCH Online, said, “If she has left the party, I have no knowledge. We are yet to get any letter to that effect.”
Defection Debate Heats Up
The development comes amid debates over the legality of recent defections following the closure of political party membership registration ahead of the 2027 elections.
With Nwaogu now joining Omo-Agege, Pantami, and Ochei on the exit list, the APC faces a credibility crisis that could reshape the political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
