By Udekwe Okue-Agbomma
A prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Augustine Ananwude Meze and his political associates have formally defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in a ceremony that attracted high-ranking party officials to Mmiata Anam, Anambra West LGA on Sunday.
Chief Ananwude Meze, popularly known as Ananwude Mayor, led his political group in crossing over to the ruling party during a well-attended ceremony at Umuonuora Public Square in the Ifite Anam ward. The defection ceremony, which took place on 7th September 2025, represents a significant political realignment in the area ahead of future electoral contests.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, personally received the defectors, underscoring the importance the ruling party places on expanding its grassroots support base. His presence at the ceremony highlighted the administration’s commitment to welcoming opposition politicians who choose to align with APGA’s political philosophy.
Joining the Commissioner in extending a warm welcome to the new members was the Local Government Area APGA Chairman, Hon. Romanus Egwuatu, whose participation demonstrated the party’s organisational strength at the local level. The LGA women leader, Deputy Mayor, Anambra West LGA, Hon. Mrs Edith Ndive and numerous party faithful were on the ground to witness the political transition.
The defection comes at a time when political parties across Anambra State are intensifying efforts to strengthen their grassroots structures and expand their membership base. Chief Ananwude Meze’s decision to leave the PDP with his entire political group suggests dissatisfaction with the opposition party’s direction and confidence in APGA’s governance approach.
The warm reception accorded to the defectors at Umuonuora Public Square reflects APGA’s strategy of embracing politicians from across party lines who demonstrate commitment to the development agenda championed by the current administration. This approach has consistently attracted politicians seeking platforms for meaningful political participation and community development.
The presence of multiple party leaders at the ceremony emphasises the significance attributed to grassroots politics in Anambra’s political landscape, where local influence often translates into broader electoral success. Such defections typically indicate shifting political allegiances and changing perceptions of party effectiveness at the community level.
Chief Ananwude Meze’s transition from PDP to APGA adds another experienced politician to the ruling party’s ranks in Anambra West, potentially strengthening its organisational capacity and electoral prospects in the constituency.
The new members said Governor Soludo’s performance is the major reason they decided to join APGA.
Commissioner Nwabunwanne, in his brief speech, assured the new members that there is room for everyone as APGA mantra rightly says, “Onye anyana nwanneya.” He said it is very important for Anambra West people to rally round Governor Charles Soludo and give him enough vote in the forthcoming gubernatorial election so that he would continue his good works.
