The resurgent political feud between former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, and his successor, Hope Uzodimma, may deepen divisions throughout the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State and weaken the get together’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 main for Imo West Senatorial District and directing the get together 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The growth has reopened an outdated political battle courting again to the build-up to the 2019 governorship election, when Okorocha backed his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, to succeed him, whereas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 in regards to the get together’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 grew to become pronounced in the course of the 2019 governorship election, when the previous governor supported Nwosu, who ultimately 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 throughout the get together.
The PDP’s Emeka Ihedioha initially received 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, transferring 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 get together candidates.
Imo West Becomes Another Battleground
The rivalry has now shifted to Imo West Senatorial District, often known as Orlu Zone, which each politicians have represented.
Okorocha represented the district between 2019 and 2023, whereas Uzodimma beforehand occupied the seat earlier than changing into governor.
Their newest confrontation adopted the APC senatorial main performed on May 18, 2026. The end result recognised by INEC declared Uzodimma winner with 230,464 votes, in opposition to Okorocha’s 1,098 votes.
Okorocha challenged the end result, insisting that he received 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, nonetheless, rejected the ruling, sustaining that Uzodimma remained its candidate.
Okorocha’s Camp Dismisses Fears Of Division
Speaking completely with Leadership, Okorocha’s spokesperson, Sam Onwuemodo, dismissed issues that the event may divide the APC, insisting that get together 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 ignored.
“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 get together’s candidate was not new, arguing that members have been pleased with 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 a 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 may deepen divisions throughout the APC, significantly amongst supporters loyal to each politicians.
The get together’s rejection of the judgment has created competing positions over who ought to signify it in Imo West.
If unresolved, the dispute may have an effect on marketing campaign coordination, mobilisation and the collection of candidates for different elective positions, weakening the get together’s skill to current a united entrance in 2027.
Opposition Parties Could Capitalise
The inside disagreement may 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 get together could battle to coordinate its political alliances and mobilise supporters throughout the state, giving opposition events a possibility to place themselves as alternate options.
Although it stays unsure whether or not the opposition can translate the scenario into electoral positive factors, the extended feud may complicate APC’s efforts to retain its present seats in Imo.
Uzodimma’s Senate Presidency Ambition In Question
The dispute may additionally complicate Uzodimma’s reported ambition to change 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 by means of Imo West.
However, the courtroom judgment recognising Okorocha because the APC candidate has launched uncertainty into that ambition.
Although the APC may problem the ruling, the authorized dispute raises questions on Uzodimma’s skill to safe the get together’s ticket and contest the senatorial election.
Even if he ultimately returns to the Senate, the Senate Presidency is decided by senators-elect and would require assist and negotiations throughout 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 making ready for a press briefing with journalists later identical day.
It was nonetheless 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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