A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bona Nlemadim, has resigned from the party and joined the Action Peoples Party (APP), citing what he described as the longstanding marginalisation of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area in Imo State.
Nlemadim announced his decision in an open letter dated June 25, 2026, which he personally signed and circulated to APC members in Ngor Okpala.
The former APC stalwart, who joined the party alongside former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha after leaving the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2014, said he had consistently supported the APC and its candidates over the years.
Despite his resignation from the party, Nlemadim declared his continued support for President Bola Tinubu.
“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,” he said.
Nlemadim expressed disappointment over what he described as the persistent exclusion of Ngor Okpala from key political opportunities in the state, citing the case of Dr. Chijioke Kaduru, who sought the APC senatorial ticket for Owerri Zone.
According to him, Kaduru had built strong support across the zone and demonstrated the capacity to represent the district, but was denied the party’s ticket during the consensus primary.
He lamented that the ticket was returned to the incumbent senator representing Owerri North, Ezenwa Onyenwuchi, despite what he described as the principles of fairness and equity.
Nlemadim also alleged that Ngor Okpala was denied the House of Representatives ticket, describing the development as unjust.
He further criticised what he called the abandonment of the Imo Charter of Equity, saying the outcome of the party’s primaries left him disillusioned.
According to him, despite over 14 years of APC rule in Imo State and the community’s loyalty to the party, Ngor Okpala has continued to suffer neglect.
He claimed that basic infrastructure, including a one-kilometre road linking Orie Nguru to Umuewere, remained inaccessible despite years of APC governance.
Nlemadim dismissed suggestions that the APC governorship ticket would eventually be ceded to Ngor Okpala, describing such assurances as uncertain.
He, however, said he would support any Ngor Okpala indigene who eventually secures the governorship ticket.
Declaring his next political move, Nlemadim said he would support any son or daughter of Ngor Okpala seeking elective office, regardless of political party affiliation.
“As much as I would like to remain a loyal party member, patriotism and love for my people outweigh my loyalty to the party,” he stated.
He added that he would take what he described as a sabbatical from the APC to devote his support to the “Mazi Senatorial Project,” insisting that his decision was driven by the desire to advance the interests of his people.
Nlemadim also announced that he would exit the party’s platforms to avoid accusations of anti-party activities.
“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 added.
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