The Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu has expressed concern that the Federal High Court’s ruling recognising Rochas Okorocha as the duly elected APC candidate for Imo West could deepen political tensions in the South-East and complicate efforts to sustain unity within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group said Governor Hope Uzodimma, an experienced politician who served in the Senate before becoming governor, should be allowed to pursue his political ambitions in accordance with the rules. His supporters regard him as a credible contender for the Senate presidency and say his potential candidacy has received support from political leaders across party lines.

“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 South-East contender could be shut out of the contest before the next Senate is constituted,” the group said.

The group noted allegations by critics that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has an interest in preventing Uzodimma from emerging as a potential rival and that former Rivers State governor and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was involved in efforts to pursue a legal challenge against him. Critics have linked those claims to Akpabio’s past support for Wike during his dispute with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The group also expressed concern over allegations that the court ruling may have been influenced by Wike, whom Uzodimma’s supporters accuse of repeatedly boasting that he would “deal with Hope.”

Describing Wike as a “meddlesome interloper,” the group further alleged that he has claimed in various quarters that he could replace President Tinubu if the “doctrine of necessity” were invoked in connection with concerns about the President’s health.

“These are serious claims and should not be treated as established facts. The judgment must be assessed on its legal merits, and the statements attributed to Wike require clarification. Given the political consequences of the ruling, the public deserves confidence that no political pressure has influenced the judicial process,” the Group said.

The group added that Uzodimma should be judged on his record, experience and support and should not be denied a fair opportunity to compete. The APC, it said, must ensure that its nomination processes are transparent and that no candidate is excluded to protect another politician’s ambitions.

The group warned that the dispute could affect President Tinubu’s political fortunes if South-East leaders conclude that their support for the administration is not matched by fair representation. It said dissatisfaction in the region could weaken party unity, reduce grassroots mobilisation and make it harder for the President to broaden support for his second-term bid.

“The president needs a united party and the confidence of political allies across the country. If the South-East 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 said.

The group further noted claims that political actors had boasted of installing Ifeanyi Ararume as governor, as well as allegations involving Ade Tinubu, described as the president’s daughter’s fiancé and personal physician to the president. It said those claims require substantiation and a response from the individuals named.

The Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu urged the APC leadership to address these concerns through transparent processes and inclusive dialogue.

“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 South-East could deepen regional disaffection and weaken the coalition the President will need in 2027.”

Signed:

Gbenga Owojori

National President

Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu