Group warns Uzodinma’s political exclusion could weaken APC unity and undermine President’s 2027 re-election bid.

A political support group for President Bola Tinubu, Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu (RHFST), has warned that the controversy surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Imo West could trigger political backlash in the Southeast and undermine the President’s re-election prospects in 2027.

The group said the Federal High Court’s ruling recognising former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, as the duly elected APC candidate for Imo West could deepen political tensions in the region and complicate efforts to sustain party unity ahead of the next general election.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National President, Hon. Gbenga Owojori, the group expressed concern that the dispute could affect the political interests of Governor Hope Uzodinma, particularly his reported ambition to become Senate President in the next National Assembly.

Uzodinma, a former senator, is considered by his supporters as a credible contender for the position, with the group claiming that his potential candidacy has attracted support from political leaders across party lines.

It argued that the controversy over the Imo West ticket had consequences beyond the constituency, particularly as political calculations surrounding the leadership of the 11th Senate begin to emerge.

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

The organisation also raised allegations by critics that Senate President Godswill Akpabio might have an interest in preventing Uzodinma from emerging as a potential rival in the contest for the Senate presidency.

It further referenced claims linking the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to efforts to pursue a legal challenge against the Imo governor.

According to the group, critics have associated the alleged political manoeuvres with Akpabio’s previous support for Wike during his dispute with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

It also expressed concern over allegations that the court ruling might have been influenced by Wike, whom Uzodinma’s supporters have accused of repeatedly threatening to deal with the Imo governor.

Describing Wike as a “meddlesome interloper”, the group further alleged that the former Rivers State governor had claimed in some quarters that he could replace Tinubu if the doctrine of necessity were invoked over concerns about the President’s health.

However, the organisation cautioned that the allegations should not be treated as established facts, insisting that the court’s judgment must 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 maintained that Uzodinma should be assessed on his political record, experience and support base, rather than being denied a fair opportunity to pursue his ambitions.

It urged the APC leadership to ensure transparency in its nomination processes and avoid excluding any aspirant to protect the political interests of another individual.

The organisation warned that any perception of political marginalisation could have wider implications for Tinubu’s electoral fortunes in the Southeast, where the APC needs to strengthen its support base ahead of 2027.

It said dissatisfaction among political leaders and supporters in the region could weaken grassroots mobilisation, undermine party cohesion and make it more difficult for the President to broaden his electoral appeal.

“The President needs a united party and the confidence of political allies across the country. If the Southeast 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 statement also referred to claims by some political actors that they 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.

The group said the claims required substantiation and responses from the individuals mentioned.

It called on the APC leadership to address the concerns through transparent processes and inclusive dialogue, warning that failure to do so could deepen political divisions within the party.

It added that Tinubu’s second-term prospects would depend partly on the unity of the APC and the confidence of its regional partners.

According to the group, ensuring a fair opportunity for Uzodinma would help preserve confidence in the ruling party, while further perceived marginalisation of the Southeast could deepen regional disaffection and weaken the political coalition the President would need for his 2027 re-election.