Breaking…!!! Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere, MFR, the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, is reportedly in undisclosed high-level talks to join the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ahead of the 2027/2028 Imo Governorship race.
Although yet to be confirmed officially, multiple political sources suggest that Madumere, a seasoned administrator and grassroots mobilizer, is exploring a political rebirth that could reshape the dynamics of Imo State politics. Details loading…!!! But the big question remains: Will Madumere re-emerge from political hibernation to challenge the old order and reclaim the Rescue Mission ethos he once championed? Or will the ghosts of political betrayal and systemic sabotage keep him on the sidelines?
Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere MFR, kSC, was born on 4 July 1964 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to a royal lineage of HRH Eze Henry Anoruo Madumere and Ugoeze Malinda Madumere. He is the third of seven siblings. Madumere received his early education in Owerri and Lagos, before traveling to the United States where he pursued a career in management and business administration.
He studied at San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas, later advancing to the University of Houston and Texas Southern University.
He also played competitive American college football as an outside linebacker. Upon his return to Nigeria, he earned a Master’s degree in History and International Studies from Imo State University, where he is currently completing his Doctorate in the same field.
Prince Madumere’s political engagement began in 1998 as Director of Women and Youth Mobilization for Rochas Okorocha’s PDP gubernatorial campaign. His loyalty and strategy placed him in key roles in later campaigns, including as Chief Strategist for Okorocha’s Presidential run under ANPP in 2002–2003.
In a dramatic episode of loyalty and sacrifice, Madumere was arrested and imprisoned in 2011 for refusing to betray Okorocha’s campaign strategy during the governorship election. He was accused of organizing a sachet water protest against President Obasanjo and Governor Ikedi Ohakim, an allegation widely believed to be politically motivated.
After weeks in detention, civil society pressure secured his release. For this personal sacrifice, Madumere was later honored with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by President Goodluck Jonathan.
After serving as Chief of Staff to Governor Okorocha, Madumere was sworn in as Deputy Governor of Imo State on 30 March 2013, following the impeachment of Sir Jude Agbaso.
His time in office was marked by efforts to enhance security, resolve community conflicts, and attract international development partnerships.
However, a rift developed between him and Okorocha in 2018, especially over Okorocha’s attempt to impose his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, as successor. Madumere opposed this move and other controversial decisions such as demolition of business properties and disregard for civil service protocol.
This led to a series of unsuccessful planned impeachment attempts, culminating in a controversial purported impeachment declared null and void by the Imo State High Court on September 25, 2018. Outside politics, Madumere is a dedicated philanthropist.
A long-standing member and two-time Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (Imo State Branch), he financed rescue operations during floods in 2015 and 2018, and donated ambulances to the organization.
He is also a strong supporter of sports development. He sponsors an annual football tournament, runs a football academy, and has hosted track and field events to promote youth talent.
Madumere has consistently backed Heartland FC, Owerri’s top-flight football club. The Road to 2027/28: APGA or Another Platform? With murmurs of Madumere’s possible defection to APGA to contest the Imo Governorship Election, Imo’s political landscape may once again experience a seismic shift.
His clean reputation, technocratic experience, grassroots appeal, and past resilience could place him as a unifying figure amid growing dissatisfaction with the current political elite. But his critics argue that re-entering a fragmented political arena plagued with money politics and entrenched godfatherism might be a bridge too far. Prince Eze Madumere’s story is one of royalty, resilience, reform, and resistance.
From the chambers of imprisonment to the chambers of government, from betrayal to vindication, Madumere has seen it all. Will he rise again, this time from the ashes of political marginalization, to lead Imo State in 2027/28? Or will history record his silence as a reluctant withdrawal from destiny?
The question echoes across Mbaitoli, Owerri, and the entire Heartland of the East:
King Eze
www.tori4town.online
2027 Governorship: Can Madumere Salvage Imo Using APGA AS PLATFORM.
