A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Bona Nlemadim, has officially dumped the party and joined the opposition Action Peoples Party, APP.
Nlemadim cited the age-long marginalization of Ngor Okpala local government Area of the state where he hails from as reason for his decision.
This was contained in an open letter he personally signed and made available to APC members in Ngor Okpala, dated June 25, 2026.
The APC chieftain, who was an active member of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2014 transiting with the former governor of lmo state, Rochas Okorocha, supported the party and its candidates in various election cycles.
He said, “Like you all, I stand on the mandate of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Not only will I vote for him in the forthcoming election, but I will also encourage my followers to do the same.”
The party chieftain expressed dismay at the continued marginalization of the local government in the politics of Imo State, using the case of Dr. Chijioke Kaduru as an example.
He said, “When he came strongly into the arena and expressed interest to represent Owerri Zone in the senate in the coming political dispensation, I was excited. I believed that God had sent us a candidate without blemish– a young man with integrity, sound education and sufficient resources to pursue his ambition.
“For over two years, he transversed the component LGAs that make up Owerri Zone.
“He touched the lives of many in the zone, more so in our own local government, and left no one in doubt about his capacity, his vision as well as his political direction.
“Most of us on this platform participated in his programs and supported his ambition. I salute those patriotic sons and daughters of Ngor Okpala.
“Unfortunately, our hopes were dashed. At the end of the consensus primaries, Ngor Okpala was denied the ticket; which was instead, returned to Owerri North, where Senator Ezenwa Onyenwuchi has held sway for the past seven years.
“The Imo Charter of Equity enunciated by our amiable Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, was jettisoned. Like the late music legend Sir Warrior sang, “Oke ru anyi aka ekearia ya”.
“I was disillusioned by the outcome, which was unfair and devoid of equity. To rub it in, Ngor Okpala was also denied the House of Representatives ticket for our constituency.
“As much as I would like to remain a loyal party member, I must state unequivocally that these developments are painful and unjust, as they suggest that no one cares about us. Yet we are pressured to sing hallelujah while enduring severe pains.”
According to Nlemadim, over 14 years of APC rule in Imo state and the full participation in party activities, he cannot drive from Orie Nguru to Umuewere, a distance of one kilometer, adding that the gains of democracy have completely eluded Ngor Okpala people despite the loyalty and commitment to party ideals.
“The low hanging fruit being peddled around now is that the governorship ticket will be ceded to Ngor Okpala. Really? As much as I would wish this becomes a reality, I must restrain myself from such an illusion.
“If it happens, though, we will forever be grateful to our Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma and will support any of our own that gets the ticket.
“For now, we have become the proverbial “Achara di woro miri” and must seek our own water fountain. No outsider will do it for us. Without mincing words, let an Ngor Okpala man fix Ngor Okpala!ll
“I love our party, and have enjoyed beautiful relationships with most of our leaders and members. However, patriotism and love for my people and their welfare far exceed my love and loyalty for the party.
“To be at peace with myself, I have decided to give my unalloyed support to any son or daughter of Ngor Okpala who secures a ticket for an elective position irrespective of party affiliation.
“Arising from the above, I would like to take a sabbatical leave from the party to enable me to devote my time and commitment to the Mazi Senatorial Project. I hope that in the end, this will give me the peace of mind and satisfaction that comes with supporting one of our own.
“I will excuse myself from this platform within the next 24hours to avoid being accused of engaging in anti-party activities. Despite this, we remain friends.
“Politics will come and go. Political parties will come and go. But we will remain sons and daughters of Ngor Okpala until the very end,” he further stated.
