APC crisis deepens in Abia as ex-Senator Nkechi Nwaogu joins Obi’s NDC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has suffered a fresh political setback following the defection of former senator and prominent party stalwart, Nkechi Nwaogu, popularly known as “Mama APC,” to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Nwaogu officially confirmed her resignation from the APC on Thursday, citing alleged irregularities, manipulation, and what she described as “shenanigans” during the party’s recent primaries in Abia State.

The former senator, who represented Abia Central Senatorial District and previously served as a member of the House of Representatives, said her decision to leave the ruling party was driven by dissatisfaction with the conduct of the APC primary elections and the broader internal processes within the party.

Her exit comes shortly after participating in the APC senatorial primaries for Abia Central earlier this month, where she sought to secure the party’s ticket ahead of the next general election.

Following her resignation, Nwaogu immediately aligned with the National Democratic Congress and took part in the NDC senatorial primaries held on Thursday for the Abia Central seat.

She contested alongside former lawmaker Emeka Nwankpa and three other aspirants seeking to emerge as the party’s standard bearer for the forthcoming elections.

Speaking after the primary exercise, Nwaogu expressed optimism about clinching the NDC ticket, stressing that she joined the party because of its commitment to fairness, transparency, and credible political engagement.

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Although she did not provide extensive details about the alleged irregularities within the APC, her reference to “shenanigans” during the primaries has further fuelled ongoing concerns over internal divisions and dissatisfaction among party members in Abia State.

Political observers say her defection represents another significant blow to the APC’s structure in Abia, particularly within Abia Central, where she remains a notable grassroots political figure with years of political influence and mobilisation experience.

Before leaving the party, Nwaogu was widely regarded as one of the most visible female leaders within the Abia APC and had earned the nickname “Mama APC” because of her longstanding involvement in the party’s activities and grassroots campaigns.

Her political career spans several years, during which she served in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, building a strong political network across communities in Abia State.

Analysts believe her departure could weaken the APC’s support base in parts of the state, especially among loyalists dissatisfied with the outcome of recent party primaries and leadership disputes.

The latest development also highlights growing tensions within the APC in Abia, where allegations of imposition, factional disagreements, and lack of internal democracy have continued to generate controversy ahead of the next election cycle.

In recent months, several party members across different states have either defected to opposition parties or openly criticised the conduct of APC primaries, accusing party leaders of sidelining certain aspirants and manipulating internal processes.

Meanwhile, supporters of the National Democratic Congress have welcomed Nwaogu’s defection, describing her entry into the party as a major political boost capable of strengthening the party’s visibility and electoral prospects in Abia State.