Rochas Okorocha Asserts Continued Dominance Over Imo APC Leadership

Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has issued a defiant statement regarding the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, asserting that he remains the undisputed head of the party. In an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time program this past Thursday, Okorocha dismissed efforts by political rivals to relegate his influence within the state chapter of the party.

A Claim to Foundational Leadership

Okorocha’s comments center on his role in the party’s early development in the region. He stated that he was instrumental in building the APC in Imo State from its inception, describing the process as one requiring significant personal investment. According to the former governor, his connection to the party’s foundation remains a primary reason for his continued relevance, despite what he characterizes as attempts by opposing factions to diminish his legacy.

During the broadcast, Okorocha addressed reports of rival claims to the party’s structure. He explicitly rejected the notion that any other individual or group has successfully supplanted him. “I remain the dominant APC figure in Imo State. Nobody can take my place,” he said, emphasizing that his influence is rooted in his history with the party’s establishment.

Tensions with the Current Administration

The remarks highlight an ongoing political friction between Okorocha and the current administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma. Okorocha alleged that loyalists to the governor are utilizing propaganda in an attempt to hijack the party’s internal structure. He dismissed these maneuvers as ineffective, claiming that the “real structure” of the party remains under his control.

While Okorocha expressed confidence in his standing, he did not provide specific details regarding the current administrative mechanisms of the party or how he intends to maintain his influence as the 2027 election cycle approaches. He maintained that the party membership in Imo State is aware of his contributions and remains aligned with his leadership.

Looking Toward 2027

As political maneuvering intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections, Okorocha indicated that he is not concerned by the claims of rival groups. He suggested that the true ownership of the Imo APC will be determined by time, positioning his current stance as a defense of his political heritage in the state. Information regarding any formal response from Governor Uzodimma or the state party leadership concerning these specific claims was not available at the time of the interview.

The situation underscores the complexities of internal party dynamics in Nigerian politics, where foundational figures and current officeholders often compete for control over party machinery and grassroots support.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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