A pro-Tinubu political group, Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu (RHFST), has warned that the Federal High Court judgment recognising former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Imo West Senatorial District could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s political fortunes in the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group said the ruling could heighten political tensions in the region, deepen divisions within the ruling party and affect the calculations surrounding the emergence of the next Senate President.
Its National President, Hon. Gbenga Owojori, raised the concerns in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, arguing that the dispute over the senatorial ticket had implications beyond Imo West, particularly for Governor Hope Uzodimma’s reported ambition to contest for the Senate presidency.
According to the group, Uzodimma, a former senator, should be allowed to pursue his political aspirations in accordance with established party rules and democratic principles.
It noted that supporters of the Imo governor consider him a credible contender for the Senate presidency, with political backing extending beyond 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 statement said.
The group also expressed concern over allegations by political critics that Senate President Godswill Akpabio might have an interest in preventing Uzodimma from emerging as a potential rival, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was allegedly involved in efforts to initiate a legal challenge against the Imo governor.
It further referenced claims linking the alleged political manoeuvres to Akpabio’s previous support for Wike during his disagreement with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
RHFST also cited allegations by Uzodimma’s supporters that Wike had repeatedly threatened to deal with the Imo governor and might have influenced the legal proceedings.
However, the group cautioned against presenting the allegations as established facts, insisting that the court’s decision should be evaluated strictly 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 stated.
The group maintained that Uzodimma’s political experience, record and support base should determine his eligibility for political contests rather than considerations that could be perceived as deliberate attempts to frustrate his ambitions.
It consequently urged the APC leadership to ensure transparency in its nomination processes and avoid decisions that could create the impression that party structures were being manipulated to protect the political interests of influential individuals.
RHFST warned that the controversy could have wider implications for Tinubu’s re-election prospects if political stakeholders in the South-East perceive the development as another instance of the region being denied fair representation despite its support for the administration.
It argued that such perceptions could weaken party cohesion, discourage grassroots mobilisation and complicate efforts to consolidate the President’s political support 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 warned.
It therefore called for inclusive dialogue and transparent political processes to address the concerns, stressing that the APC’s ability to retain the confidence of its regional allies would be critical to its electoral prospects.
The group added that allowing Uzodimma a fair opportunity to pursue his political ambitions would help sustain confidence in the ruling party and prevent further dissatisfaction in the South-East.
It warned that any perception of political marginalisation could weaken the broader coalition of support required by Tinubu to secure a second term in 2027.
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