The resurgent political feud between former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, and his successor, Hope Uzodimma, might deepen divisions inside the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State and weaken the celebration’s electoral prospects forward of the 2027 elections.
The newest twist adopted a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja on Thursday, October 29, recognising Okorocha because the winner of the APC major for Imo West Senatorial District and directing the celebration to ahead his identify to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its candidate.
However, the Imo APC rejected the ruling, insisting that Uzodimma stays its genuine candidate and indicating plans to problem the judgment.
The improvement has reopened an outdated political battle courting again to the build-up to the 2019 governorship election, when Okorocha backed his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, to succeed him, whereas Uzodimma pursued the APC governorship ticket.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the renewed confrontation raises questions concerning the celebration’s unity, its probabilities of retaining elective positions and the political way forward for each males.
How The Feud Began
The disagreement between Okorocha and Uzodimma turned pronounced throughout the 2019 governorship election, when the previous governor supported Nwosu, who finally contested on the platform of the Action Alliance (AA), whereas Uzodimma secured the APC ticket.
Although each males belonged to the APC throughout former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, their competing ambitions created divisions inside the celebration.
The PDP’s Emeka Ihedioha initially gained the election with 273,404 votes, whereas Uzodimma got here fourth with 96,458 votes.
However, on January 14, 2020, the Supreme Court nullified Ihedioha’s victory and declared Uzodimma governor after accepting his declare that outcomes from 388 polling models had been excluded from the ultimate collation. His votes consequently elevated to 309,753, shifting him from fourth place to first.
Uzodimma’s emergence created a brand new political actuality for Okorocha, who had backed one other candidate to succeed him. Their disagreement subsequently prolonged to regulate of the APC construction, political appointments and affect over celebration candidates.
Imo West Becomes Another Battleground
The rivalry has now shifted to Imo West Senatorial District, also referred to as Orlu Zone, which each politicians have represented.
Okorocha represented the district between 2019 and 2023, whereas Uzodimma beforehand occupied the seat earlier than turning into governor.
Their newest confrontation adopted the APC senatorial major carried out on May 18, 2026. The end result recognised by INEC declared Uzodimma winner with 230,464 votes, towards Okorocha’s 1,098 votes.
Okorocha challenged the end result, insisting that he gained the train.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu recognised him because the lawful winner and ordered the APC to ahead his identify to INEC.
The Imo APC, nevertheless, rejected the ruling, sustaining that Uzodimma remained its candidate.
Okorocha’s Camp Dismisses Fears Of Division
Speaking solely with Leadership, Okorocha’s spokesperson, Sam Onwuemodo, dismissed issues that the event might divide the APC, insisting that celebration members have been able to work with the previous governor.
He mentioned Okorocha’s contribution to the formation of the APC, significantly within the South-East, shouldn’t be neglected.
“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 mentioned.
Onwuemodo maintained that Okorocha’s emergence because the celebration’s candidate was not new, arguing that members have been proud of the courtroom judgment and able to work collectively.
He additionally claimed that supporters of various political events celebrated the ruling, insisting that Okorocha loved assist past the APC.
Speaking on the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike’s Proposed political coalition, he mentioned Okorocha’s camp had no downside working with different teams, including that they’d be part of forces to ship President Bola Tinubu and different APC candidates in 2027.
How The Feud Could Divide APC
Despite the assurances from Okorocha’s camp, the disagreement might deepen divisions inside the APC, significantly amongst supporters loyal to each politicians.
The celebration’s rejection of the judgment has created competing positions over who ought to characterize it in Imo West.
If unresolved, the dispute might have an effect on marketing campaign coordination, mobilisation and the number of candidates for different elective positions, weakening the celebration’s means to current a united entrance in 2027.
Opposition Parties Could Capitalise
The inner disagreement might additionally create alternatives for opposition events, significantly the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to strengthen their constructions and appeal to aggrieved APC members.
A divided ruling celebration might battle to coordinate its political alliances and mobilise supporters throughout the state, giving opposition events a chance to place themselves as options.
Although it stays unsure whether or not the opposition can translate the scenario into electoral beneficial properties, the extended feud might complicate APC’s efforts to retain its current seats in Imo.
Uzodimma’s Senate Presidency Ambition In Question
The dispute might additionally complicate Uzodimma’s reported ambition to turn into Senate President after the 2027 elections.
The governor, whose second tenure ends in January 2028, has been linked to a potential return to the Senate via Imo West.
However, the courtroom judgment recognising Okorocha because the APC candidate has launched uncertainty into that ambition.
Although the APC might problem the ruling, the authorized dispute raises questions on Uzodimma’s means to safe the celebration’s ticket and contest the senatorial election.
Even if he finally returns to the Senate, the Senate Presidency is set by senators-elect and would require assist and negotiations inside the incoming National Assembly.
APC Chairman Yet To Respond
Meanwhile, LEADERSHIP made a number of makes an attempt to talk with the Imo APC Chairman, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, on the implications of the feud.
At about 12:41pm on Friday, Onyedebelu declined feedback as a result of he was getting ready for a press briefing with journalists later similar day.
It was nevertheless gathered that the briefing had initially been scheduled for 8:00am.
However, LEADERSHIP would replace as quickly because the press briefing is held.
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