Ex-Reps member,Ozuruigbo Returns to APC, Leads 22 Political Structures in Imo Defection
By Kelechi Ugo
A former member of the House of Representatives,Rt. Hon. Ugonna Ozuruigbo popularly called "OZB" has officially returned to All Progressives Congress (APC), leading no fewer than 22 political structures back to the ruling Party in Imo State.
Ozuruigbo, who represented the Njaba/Isu/Nwangele/Nkwerre Federal Constituency, was previously elected under the APC platform in 2019 after which he served as Deputy Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly between 2015 and 2019.
He later defected to the People's Democratic Party (PDP), under which he secured a second term in 2023. His subsequent political journey saw him contest under the (PDP), where he was initially declared winner before losing the seat to an APC candidate,Barr. Harrison Nwadike, following a court ruling.
The former lawmaker’s return to the APC was formalized on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Playground in Umuozu Community, Nwangele Local Government Area. The event drew a large crowd and prominent Party stakeholders.
Representing Governor , the Chief of Staff,Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, described the defection as a significant political shift, calling it the “collapse of the last bastion of credible opposition” in the State ahead of the 2027 general elections. He attributed the development to the Governor’s leadership and assured Ozuruigbo of equal standing within the Party.
Also speaking, the Imo State APC Chairman,Hon. Austin Onyedebelu, characterized the move as a “homecoming” and a major boost to the Party’s electoral prospects. He expressed optimism about sweeping victories across the State, particularly in the Njaba/Isu/Nwangele/Nkwerre axis.
The Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly,Rt. Hon. Amarachi Iwuanyanwu, welcomed Ozuruigbo’s return, noting that it signals renewed unity and political consolidation within the constituency.
In his remarks, the APC Zonal Chairman for Orlu Zone, urged Party members and stakeholders to remain united and committed to sustaining the APC’s dominance in the State.
The event also witnessed the defection of key figures from opposition parties, including the Action Alliance and the (ADC), further strengthening the APC’s grassroots structure.
Speaking at the gathering, Ozuruigbo pledged to mobilize support for the APC and work towards securing victory for the Party party in the forthcoming general elections.
