Chief Chuks Ajaelu,JP, a prominent Imo politician and former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Imo State has formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after two decades in the opposition party.
Ajaelu, who had been a strong PDP figure in Imo State since 1999, announced his resignation from the party in April 2026 following a broad range of consultations with his family, political associates and other stakeholders.
His departure marked a significant break with a political platform to which he had remained closely associated for years and in which he held several leadership positions, including state vice chairman for Okigwe Zone.
After taking time to consult on his next political move, Ajaelu formally joined the APC during a meeting with the party’s Imo State chairman, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, at the APC secretariat in Owerri.
The development effectively ends his long-standing affiliation with the PDP and places one of the opposition party’s prominent former leaders in the camp of Governor Hope Uzodimma ahead of the 2027 elections.
Welcoming Ajaelu into the APC, Onyedebelu described him as a political “bulldozer”, saying he was familiar with his capacity and ability to deliver politically.
The APC chairman said Ajaelu’s decision to join the ruling party was a positive development and urged him to continue supporting the Uzodimma administration.
Ajaelu, in response, said he was delighted to join the APC, attributing his decision in part to the efforts and leadership of Governor Uzodimma.
He pledged his support for the administration and promised to work closely with the APC, signalling his readiness to contribute to the party’s activities and programmes in the state.
Some Snapshots from The Visit
