In a significant political shift, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Odu, has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move solidifies the ongoing realignment within the state's political landscape, following the footsteps of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other key figures.
Formal Registration at Ward Level
The deputy governor confirmed her defection on Sunday, January 4, 2026, during a tour of the six zones in the Ogba, Egbema and Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA). Professor Odu disclosed that she had completed her registration process at Akabuka, Ward 8, Unit 11. She emphasized that electronic registration into the ruling party is actively ongoing across Rivers State.
Her action comes amid heightened political tensions in the state, largely stemming from the rift between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike. It also ends weeks of speculation about her political stance after the governor and numerous elected officials at state and federal levels moved to the APC.
Mobilizing Grassroots Support for Tinubu and Fubara
Professor Odu stated that her tour was aimed at mobilizing grassroots support and ensuring robust party structures are in place ahead of future political activities. She called on residents across all six zones of ONELGA to register en-masse with the APC to strengthen the support base for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
"The move is to further strengthen the support base of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara," she said, noting that six zonal meetings had already been held to facilitate this plan.
She reported an enthusiastic reception during her outreach, covering the zones of Egi, Omoku, Osomini, Igburu, Egbema, and Ndoni. "Today, I came to sensitise the people, and everywhere we went, there were large crowds who came out to receive us. They said wherever I go, they will go with me, and wherever Governor Fubara and President Tinubu go, they will go," Odu stated.
Broader Political Context and Tensions
This defection occurs against a backdrop of renewed friction in Rivers State. Shortly after the suspension of emergency rule and the reinstatement of democratic structures, tensions have resurfaced between Governor Fubara and the state House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule.
In a recent sitting, the Assembly condemned the vandalization of property at the Township School in Port Harcourt and other schools, lamenting decayed infrastructure and accusing the executive arm of inadequate action. This ongoing political drama underscores the volatile and rapidly changing alliances within Rivers State politics, with Professor Odu's move marking a pivotal consolidation of power within the APC camp.
