The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), deepening the wave of political realignments currently reshaping the oil-rich state.

Akahi News gathered that Odu completed her APC registration at her ward in Akabuka town, Ward 8, Unit 11, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. The exercise attracted party supporters and local stakeholders, signalling what observers describe as a significant shift in Rivers State’s political landscape.

Symbolic Entry Into APC

Shortly after her registration, the deputy governor reportedly broke into the song “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand,” a chant widely associated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Political analysts say the gesture was symbolic, reflecting alignment with the ruling party at the centre and reinforcing speculation about a broader consolidation of power within the state.

According to Akahi News, the development comes only weeks after Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, also defected to the APC following a high-level meeting with President Tinubu in Abuja. Fubara’s registration into the party was subsequently conducted by the Rivers APC leadership, reportedly on the directive of the party’s national secretariat.

APC Consolidates Control In Rivers

The defection of both the governor and his deputy has been widely interpreted as a strategic boost for the APC in Rivers State, long regarded as a politically competitive and influential region. Observers noted that the moves could significantly weaken the PDP’s structure in the state, particularly ahead of future elections.

Akahi News learnt that the APC national leadership has since recognised Governor Fubara as the party’s leader in Rivers State, a declaration that has further underscored the scale of the ongoing political reconfiguration.

Implications For PDP And State Politics

Political watchers believe the twin defections may trigger further movement among elected officials and party loyalists at both state and grassroots levels. While the PDP has yet to issue an official response, analysts argue that the party now faces an uphill task in retaining its relevance in Rivers State unless urgent reconciliation efforts are undertaken.

For many residents, the developments signal a new chapter in the state’s politics—one that could redefine power dynamics, governance priorities, and party dominance in the months ahead.

As the situation continues to unfold, Akahi News will keep monitoring reactions from key political actors and the possible impact on Rivers State’s political future.

Akahi News www.akahinews.org