Rivers State Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking another major political shift in the oil-producing state. Her move makes her the latest top government official to leave the opposition for the APC.
Odu registered as a member of the APC at her polling unit in Akabuka, a town in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. Party officials confirmed the development on Sunday.
After completing her registration, the deputy governor joined party supporters. They sang “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand,” a song closely associated with President Bola Tinubu and the APC’s campaign messaging.
Rivers APC gains strength after Odu’s defection
The defection of Ngozi Odu comes days after Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara also joined the APC. Fubara defected after meeting President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
That decision altered the political balance in Rivers State. With both the governor and deputy governor now in the APC, the ruling party has tightened its grip on the state’s political structure.
APC leadership consolidates control in Rivers
Following Fubara’s defection, the APC chairman in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, formally registered the governor as a party member. The registration was carried out on the directive of the party’s national secretariat.
At the national level, APC chairman Nentawe Yilwatda later named Fubara the party’s leader in Rivers State. The move further consolidated the APC’s control of party affairs in the state.
Defections reshape Rivers politics
Political analysts say the wave of defections signals a major realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. They believe more political figures may switch allegiance as parties reposition for future contests.
Meanwhile, opposition parties continue to raise concerns about the growing dominance of the APC in Rivers State. Observers say the developments will play a key role in shaping political strategies and alliances in the months ahead.
