Former Imo Deputy Governor Madumere Quits APC, Joins PDP, Eyes Owerri Senate Seat

Former Imo State Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere has defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party, declaring his intention to contest the Owerri Senatorial Zone seat in the 2027 elections.

Madumere, who served as deputy governor under Rochas Okorocha, framed his move as a push for a “paradigm shift” in the zone. He pledged “better representation” for constituents in the senatorial district, signalling a campaign built around a message of change from within Owerri’s political establishment.

His defection is the latest in a growing wave of exits from the APC as the 2027 election cycle approaches. Across the country, politicians are weighing their options as the ruling party’s internal dynamics shift and opposition platforms begin positioning themselves as alternatives. Madumere’s calculation is that his chances are better outside the APC structure in Imo State.

Imo Politics Gets More Competitive

Imo State has been one of Nigeria’s most volatile political theatres in recent years. The Owerri Senatorial Zone — which covers the state capital — is always a high-stakes contest, and Madumere’s entry brings an experienced political name into what is likely to be a crowded field.

For the PDP, the defection is a boost. The party has been working to rebuild structures in the South-East, and landing a former deputy governor adds weight to its 2027 ambitions in the region.

Whether Madumere can convert name recognition and political experience into electoral success in Owerri remains the open question. But his declaration makes one thing clear: the 2027 race in Imo just got more competitive.

Sources: ThisDay, The Sun Nigeria, Al Jazeera Nigeria