2027: How Okorocha-Uzodimma Feud Could Hurt APC In Imo

The resurgent political feud between former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, and his successor, Hope Uzodimma, could deepen divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State and weaken the party’s electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.

The latest twist followed a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja on Thursday, October 29, recognising Okorocha as the winner of the APC primary for Imo West Senatorial District and directing the party to forward his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its candidate.

However, the Imo APC rejected the ruling, insisting that Uzodimma remains its authentic candidate and indicating plans to challenge the judgment.

The development has reopened an old political battle dating back to the build-up to the 2019 governorship election, when Okorocha backed his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, to succeed him, while Uzodimma pursued the APC governorship ticket.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the renewed confrontation raises questions about the party’s unity, its chances of retaining elective positions and the political future of both men.

How The Feud Began

The disagreement between Okorocha and Uzodimma became pronounced during the 2019 governorship election, when the former governor supported Nwosu, who eventually contested on the platform of the Action Alliance (AA), while Uzodimma secured the APC ticket.

Although both men belonged to the APC during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, their competing ambitions created divisions within the party.

The PDP’s Emeka Ihedioha initially won the election with 273,404 votes, while Uzodimma came fourth with 96,458 votes.

However, on January 14, 2020, the Supreme Court nullified Ihedioha’s victory and declared Uzodimma governor after accepting his claim that results from 388 polling units had been excluded from the final collation. His votes consequently increased to 309,753, moving him from fourth position to first.

Uzodimma’s emergence created a new political reality for Okorocha, who had backed another candidate to succeed him. Their disagreement subsequently extended to control of the APC structure, political appointments and influence over party candidates.

Imo West Becomes Another Battleground

The rivalry has now shifted to Imo West Senatorial District, also known as Orlu Zone, which both politicians have represented.

Okorocha represented the district between 2019 and 2023, while Uzodimma previously occupied the seat before becoming governor.

Their latest confrontation followed the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026. The result recognised by INEC declared Uzodimma winner with 230,464 votes, against Okorocha’s 1,098 votes.

Okorocha challenged the outcome, insisting that he won the exercise.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu recognised him as the lawful winner and ordered the APC to forward his name to INEC.

The Imo APC, however, rejected the ruling, maintaining that Uzodimma remained its candidate.

Okorocha’s Camp Dismisses Fears Of Division

Speaking exclusively with Leadership, Okorocha’s spokesperson, Sam Onwuemodo, dismissed concerns that the development could divide the APC, insisting that party members were ready to work with the former governor.

He said Okorocha’s contribution to the formation of the APC, particularly in the South-East, should not be overlooked.

“Don’t forget that Rochas Okorocha brought APC to the South-East. He was the only governor from the South-East who was part of the merger that gave birth to APC. At that time, he was called ugly names because of APC,” he said.

Onwuemodo maintained that Okorocha’s emergence as the party’s candidate was not new, arguing that members were happy with the court judgment and ready to work together.

He also claimed that supporters of different political parties celebrated the ruling, insisting that Okorocha enjoyed support beyond the APC.

Speaking on the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike’s Proposed political coalition, he said Okorocha’s camp had no problem working with other groups, adding that they would join forces to deliver President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in 2027.

How The Feud Could Divide APC

Despite the assurances from Okorocha’s camp, the disagreement could deepen divisions within the APC, particularly among supporters loyal to both politicians.

The party’s rejection of the judgment has created competing positions over who should represent it in Imo West.

If unresolved, the dispute could affect campaign coordination, mobilisation and the selection of candidates for other elective positions, weakening the party’s ability to present a united front in 2027.

Opposition Parties Could Capitalise

The internal disagreement could also create opportunities for opposition parties, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to strengthen their structures and attract aggrieved APC members.

A divided ruling party may struggle to coordinate its political alliances and mobilise supporters across the state, giving opposition parties an opportunity to position themselves as alternatives.

Although it remains uncertain whether the opposition can translate the situation into electoral gains, the prolonged feud could complicate APC’s efforts to retain its existing seats in Imo.

Uzodimma’s Senate Presidency Ambition In Question

The dispute could also complicate Uzodimma’s reported ambition to become Senate President after the 2027 elections.

The governor, whose second tenure ends in January 2028, has been linked to a possible return to the Senate through Imo West.

However, the court judgment recognising Okorocha as the APC candidate has introduced uncertainty into that ambition.

Although the APC could challenge the ruling, the legal dispute raises questions about Uzodimma’s ability to secure the party’s ticket and contest the senatorial election.

Even if he eventually returns to the Senate, the Senate Presidency is determined by senators-elect and would require support and negotiations within the incoming National Assembly.

APC Chairman Yet To Respond

Meanwhile, LEADERSHIP made several attempts to speak with the Imo APC Chairman, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, on the implications of the feud.

At about 12:41pm on Friday, Onyedebelu declined comments because he was preparing for a press briefing with journalists later same day.

It was however gathered that the briefing had initially been scheduled for 8:00am.

However, LEADERSHIP would update as soon as the press briefing is held.