Toyyibat Qasim
The Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio of allegedly working against Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma’s political ambitions, warning that the development could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s re-election prospects in the South-East.
The group raised the alarm following a Federal High Court judgment recognising former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha as the duly elected All Progressives Congress candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District, a development it said could intensify political tension within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National President, Gbenga Owojori, the group expressed concern that the dispute over the senatorial ticket could have far-reaching implications for the political future of the South-East, particularly the region’s representation in the leadership of the National Assembly.
It argued that Uzodimma, a former senator and two-term governor, should be allowed to pursue his political aspirations without alleged political interference, noting that his supporters consider him a strong contender for the position of Senate President in the next National Assembly.
According to the group, the controversy surrounding the Imo West ticket has altered political calculations ahead of the constitution of the next Senate and raised questions about whether a leading South-East political figure could be shut out of the contest.
The organisation alleged that some political critics believe Akpabio has an interest in preventing Uzodimma from emerging as a potential challenger for the Senate presidency.
It also alleged that Wike was involved in efforts to pursue legal action against the Imo governor, linking the claims to what it described as political alliances surrounding Akpabio and the former Rivers State governor.
The group, however, did not provide documentary evidence to substantiate the allegations against the two political leaders.
It further expressed concern over allegations by Uzodimma’s supporters that Wike had repeatedly threatened to deal with the governor, describing the alleged involvement of the FCT minister in the Imo political dispute as an unwarranted interference.
The group also made a controversial claim that Wike had allegedly boasted in some quarters that he could replace Tinubu if the doctrine of necessity were invoked over concerns about the President’s health.
Describing the allegations as serious, the organisation called for clarification from those named, insisting that the integrity of the judiciary and the credibility of political institutions must not be compromised by political interests.
“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,” the statement said.
It added that the public deserved assurances that no political pressure had influenced the judicial process surrounding the Imo West senatorial ticket dispute.
The group maintained that Uzodimma should be assessed on his political experience, record and support base rather than being allegedly excluded from political contests to protect the ambitions of other politicians.
It also urged the APC leadership to guarantee transparent nomination procedures and ensure that every aspirant was given a fair opportunity to participate in the party’s internal democratic processes.
Warning that the controversy could have consequences beyond Imo State, the organisation said perceived marginalisation of the South-East could weaken Tinubu’s political coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to the group, the President’s chances of securing a second term would partly depend on his ability to sustain political alliances and reassure supporters across the country’s geopolitical zones.
It warned that South-East political leaders could become dissatisfied if the region’s support for the Tinubu administration was not matched by fair political representation.
“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,” it said.
The organisation also referred to claims that some political actors had boasted of installing Ifeanyi Ararume as governor, as well as allegations involving Ade Tinubu, whom it described as the President’s daughter’s fiancé and personal physician to the President.
It said the claims required proper substantiation and responses from the individuals mentioned.
The group urged the APC leadership to address the growing concerns through inclusive consultations, transparency and respect for internal party democracy.
It maintained that allowing Uzodimma a fair opportunity to pursue his political ambitions would help preserve confidence in the ruling party and prevent further political disaffection in the South-East.
“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,” the statement added.
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