South-East APC Defends Uzodimma, Dismisses N800bn Allegation

The South-East chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations of the diversion of ₦800 billion in campaign funds against Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, describing the claims as spurious and baseless.

The party stressed that Uzodimma remained committed to good governance, sustainable development and improved welfare for the people of Imo State.

This was made known in a statement signed by the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, on Wednesday.

The APC said the allegation was politically motivated, especially following Uzodimma’s reported interest in contesting the Imo East Senatorial seat in 2027.

“Uzodimma remains unwavering in his commitment to delivering good governance, sustainable development and improved welfare for the people of Imo, and will not be distracted by such baseless accusations,” the statement said.

The party said it had observed what it described as a campaign of blackmail since the governor indicated interest in returning to the Senate.

“While every Nigerian has the right to an opinion, that should not be used as justification to blackmail a citizen who is exercising his constitutional right,” it stated.

Uzodimma had been accused of diverting ₦800 billion allegedly contributed by members of the Progressive Governors Forum for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

However, the APC South-East described the claim as “factually incorrect and logically untenable,” noting that no formal campaign fund had been established since electioneering had not commenced.

“With the legal restriction on political campaigns still in force until September, it is practically impossible to divert or misappropriate resources for an exercise that has neither started nor reached any stage requiring funding,” the party stated.

The APC further argued that the Progressive Governors Forum was not a campaign organisation and therefore could not warehouse funds meant for a presidential campaign.

Questioning the alleged ₦800 billion figure, the party said the amount was unrealistic, as it would imply that each of the 31 APC governors contributed about ₦26 billion.

“This figure is not only unrealistic but laughable. No governor, regardless of political affiliation, would commit such a colossal sum to a national campaign while simultaneously prosecuting re-election or other critical state-level political activities,” it stated.

The APC maintained that Uzodimma had upheld a record of transparency and accountability in public office and had not been credibly linked to financial impropriety.

The party also urged opposition figures to focus on credible policy alternatives and practical solutions rather than what it described as fictitious propaganda.

“Nigerians are sophisticated enough to distinguish between genuine governance and cheap political fiction,” the statement added.