Former Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Nkechi Nwaogu, popularly known as “Mama APC,” has officially dumped the All Progressives Congress for the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nwaogu, a former member of the House of Representatives and two-term senator, confirmed her resignation from the APC following controversies surrounding the party’s recently concluded senatorial primaries in Abia State.
Speaking in separate telephone interviews, the former lawmaker attributed her exit from the ruling party to what she described as “shenanigans” and alleged injustice during the APC primary process in Abia Central Senatorial District.
The development followed the emergence of her rival, Emeka Atuma, as winner of the APC senatorial primary in the zone.
Reports indicated that efforts by APC stakeholders to persuade her to remain in the party failed.
Nwaogu has now joined the NDC and participated in the party’s senatorial primaries for Abia Central alongside other aspirants, including Emeka Nwankpa.
Her defection has triggered widespread political reactions, with analysts describing it as another sign of growing tension within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, legal experts remain divided over whether aspirants who participated in one party’s primaries can validly defect to another party and still contest elections under the Electoral Act 2026.
Nwaogu, who previously served as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, was elected senator for Abia Central in 2007 and re-elected in 2011.
Political observers believe her move could further reshape the political landscape in Abia State as parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.