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 occasion’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 occasion to ahead his title 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 previous political battle relationship 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 occasion’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 inside the occasion.
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 items 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 occasion 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 changing into governor.
Their newest confrontation adopted the APC senatorial major carried out on May 18, 2026. The outcome recognised by INEC declared Uzodimma winner with 230,464 votes, in opposition to Okorocha’s 1,098 votes.
Okorocha challenged the 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 title to INEC.
The Imo APC, nonetheless, 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 considerations that the event might divide the APC, insisting that occasion members have been able to work with the previous governor.
He mentioned Okorocha’s contribution to the formation of the APC, notably 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 occasion’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 help past the APC.
Speaking on the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike’s Proposed political coalition, he mentioned Okorocha’s camp had no drawback working with different teams, including that they might 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, notably amongst supporters loyal to each politicians.
The occasion’s rejection of the judgment has created competing positions over who ought to symbolize 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 occasion’s capability to current a united entrance in 2027.
Opposition Parties Could Capitalise
The inside disagreement might additionally create alternatives for opposition events, notably the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to strengthen their buildings and appeal to aggrieved APC members.
A divided ruling occasion might battle to coordinate its political alliances and mobilise supporters throughout the state, giving opposition events a chance to place themselves as alternate options.
Although it stays unsure whether or not the opposition can translate the scenario into electoral good points, the extended feud might complicate APC’s efforts to retain its present seats in Imo.
Uzodimma’s Senate Presidency Ambition In Question
The dispute might additionally complicate Uzodimma’s reported ambition to develop 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 way of 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 capability to safe the occasion’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 help 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 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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