Wike, Akpabio, Uzodimma’s power play threat to Tinubu’s S/East victory –APC stakeholders

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders have warned President Bola Tinubu on the possibility of losing in the South East in next year’s presidential election should he continue to watch the escalating power play among the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and the governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma.

The stakeholders under the auspices of Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu, equally expressed deep concern over the Federal High Court’s judgment recognising Rochas Okorocha as the duly elected APC candidate for Imo West, cautioning that it could deepen political tensions in the South East and complicate efforts to sustain unity within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement by  the National President, Gbenga Owojori, the group appealed that Governor Uzodinma, an experienced politician, should be allowed to pursue his political ambitions in accordance with the rules.

While warning that the dispute could affect President Tinubu’s political fortunes if South East leaders conclude to support another candidate, emphasising that dissatisfaction in the region could weaken party unity, reduce grassroots mobilisation and make it harder for the President to broaden support for his second-term bid.

“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,” they warned.

The stakeholders argued that having served in the Senate before becoming governor, Uzodimma’s supporters regard him as a credible contender for the Senate presidency, adding that his candidacy has received support from political leaders across party lines.

According to them; “The dispute over the Imo West senatorial 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 ruling party stakeholders noted that allegations by critics that the Senate President, Akpabio is behind the plot to prevent Uzodinma from emerging as a potential rival, in addition to the claims that Wike was involved in legall challenge against him are not good for the President and the party.

They also expressed concern over allegations that the court ruling may have been influenced by the same gladiators accused of repeatedly boasting to deal with Uzodimma.

They argued that Uzodinma should be judged based on his record, experience, support, and should not be denied a fair opportunity to compete, appealing: “The APC, it said, must ensure that its nomination processes are transparent without any candidate excluded to protect another politician’s ambitions.”