2027: Uzodimma/Okorocha Feud Threatens Tinubu’s South East Bid, Says APC Group

Fingers Wike, Akpabio in rift

The Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu (RHFST) has warned that the lingering political feud involving Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and former governor Rochas Okorocha could threaten President Bola Tinubu’s political fortunes in the Southeast ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group expressed concern that the Federal High Court’s ruling recognising Okorocha as the duly elected APC candidate for Imo West Senatorial District could deepen political tensions in the region and undermine efforts to maintain unity within the ruling party.

In a statement signed by its National President, Hon. Gbenga Owojori, the group maintained that Uzodimma, a former senator, should be allowed to pursue his political ambitions in accordance with established rules and democratic principles.

It noted that supporters of the Imo governor consider him a credible contender for the Senate presidency, adding that his potential ambition enjoys support among political leaders across party lines.

According to the group, the controversy surrounding the Imo West senatorial ticket goes beyond the immediate political contest, with wider implications for the balance of power and leadership calculations ahead of the inauguration of the next National Assembly.

“The dispute over the Imo West ticket has consequences beyond the constituency. It has altered the political calculations surrounding the Senate presidency and raised concern that a leading Southeast contender could be shut out of the contest before the next Senate is constituted,” the statement said.

The group also drew attention to allegations by political critics that Senate President Godswill Akpabio may have an interest in preventing Uzodimma from emerging as a potential rival in the race for the Senate presidency.

It further referenced allegations linking FCT Minister and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to efforts to pursue a legal challenge against the Imo governor.

The group said critics had connected the allegations to Akpabio’s previous support for Wike during his political disagreement with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

It also expressed concern over claims by Uzodimma’s supporters that the court ruling may have been influenced by Wike, whom they accused of repeatedly threatening to deal with the Imo governor.

However, the allegations involving Wike and Akpabio remain claims attributed to political critics and have not been established as facts.

The RHFST insisted that Uzodimma should be assessed on the basis of his political record, experience and support base, rather than being denied a fair opportunity to pursue his ambitions.

It urged the APC leadership to ensure that its nomination processes remained transparent, fair and credible, warning against any attempt to exclude political aspirants to protect the ambitions of other influential figures.

The group warned that the unfolding disagreement could have consequences for President Tinubu’s re-election calculations, particularly if political stakeholders in the Southeast begin to feel that their support for the administration is not matched by fair representation within the party.

It argued that growing dissatisfaction in the region could weaken party cohesion, discourage grassroots mobilisation and complicate the President’s efforts to expand his political support ahead of 2027.

“The President needs a united party and the confidence of political allies across the country. If the Southeast believes its support is welcome only when votes are needed, but its candidates are obstructed when power is being shared, the consequences could extend well beyond Imo State,” the group stated.

The organisation consequently called on the APC national leadership to intervene through transparent political processes and inclusive dialogue to prevent the disagreement from escalating into a wider regional crisis.

It maintained that President Tinubu’s second-term ambition would depend partly on the ability of the APC to preserve internal unity and sustain the confidence of its regional partners.

“President Tinubu’s second-term prospects will depend in part on the unity of the party and the trust of its regional partners. A fair opportunity for Governor Uzodimma would help preserve confidence in the APC. Further marginalisation of the Southeast could deepen regional disaffection and weaken the coalition the President will need in 2027,” the statement added.

The group reiterated its call for fairness, insisting that the political interests of the Southeast must be adequately accommodated if the APC hopes to consolidate its support base and strengthen Tinubu’s re-election prospects.