By Joyce Ekeh
A pro-Tinubu group, Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu (RHFST), has warned that the Federal High Court ruling recognising Rochas Okorocha as the duly elected All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Imo West could cost President Bola Tinubu votes in the South-East in the 2027 general elections.
The group, led by its National President, Hon. Gbenga Owojori, said in a statement in Abuja on Saturday that the dispute over the senatorial ticket had implications beyond Imo State, particularly for the region’s political representation and the contest for the Senate presidency.
“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,” it said.
The group argued that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, a former senator, should be allowed to pursue his political ambitions in accordance with established rules, noting that his supporters consider him a credible contender for the Senate presidency.
It expressed concern over allegations by political critics that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Rivers State governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, might be involved in efforts to frustrate Uzodinma’s political ambitions.
The group also cited allegations by Uzodinma’s supporters that the court ruling may have been influenced by Wike, whom they accused of repeatedly threatening to “deal with Hope”.
However, RHFST cautioned against treating the allegations as established facts, insisting that the judgment should be assessed on its legal merits.
“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,” it said.
The group urged the APC leadership to ensure transparent nomination procedures, arguing that no aspirant should be denied a fair opportunity to contest to protect another politician’s interests.
It warned that perceived marginalisation of the South-East could undermine the President’s efforts to consolidate support for a second term, weaken party unity and affect grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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.
RHFST called on the APC leadership to address the dispute through inclusive dialogue and transparent processes, warning that regional dissatisfaction could weaken the coalition Tinubu would need for re-election.
“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 Uzodinma 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,” it said.
