Former member of the House of Representatives and prominent All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) figure, Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi, has defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), declaring support for Peter Obi’s presidential ambition and Senator Victor Umeh’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ibezi, who is also the convener of the Reality Movement, formally joined the NDC on Saturday, October 10, 2026, during a ceremony attended by party leaders and supporters in Anambra State.
The former lawmaker pledged to mobilise his political network to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence across Idemili North and South, Anambra Central Senatorial District and other parts of the state.
Speaking during the event, Ibezi declared: “Anambra is a democratic state, and Democrats are working together. We reject ‘progressives working together.’”
The statement appeared to criticise the political alignment between APGA and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which has supported President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ambition.
Ibezi’s defection represents a potential boost for the NDC as it works to expand its influence in Anambra, where APGA has traditionally maintained a strong political base. His experience in grassroots mobilisation could prove valuable as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.
His move also places him alongside prominent former APGA figures, including Umeh, who has aligned with the NDC and supports Obi’s presidential bid. The party is seeking to consolidate support across the South-East, particularly in Obi’s home state.
The development comes amid growing political disagreements between the Anambra State Government, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and supporters of Obi over the state’s political future and the NDC’s growing influence.
Ibezi previously represented Idemili North and South Federal Constituency after winning election on the APGA platform in 2019, although a court ruling later affected his tenure.
As the 2027 elections approach, further defections and political alliances could reshape party competition in Anambra and influence the wider electoral landscape.
