Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has insisted that he remains the dominant figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, declaring that nobody can take his place despite the growing political influence of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Okorocha made the declaration on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where he dismissed claims that the party’s leadership structure in Imo had shifted to his political rivals.
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The former governor maintained that he played a major role in building the APC in the state through personal sacrifices, political mobilisation and years of commitment to the party.
“I remain the dominant APC figure in Imo State. Nobody can take my place,” he declared.
He accused supporters of Governor Uzodimma of attempting to take control of the party through propaganda and political manoeuvring, arguing that their claims did not reflect the reality of the APC’s grassroots support in the state.
“I built this party with my blood and sweat,” Okorocha said.
The former governor also dismissed suggestions that his political influence had weakened, insisting that his relationship with party members and supporters remained strong.
His comments come amid renewed leadership tensions within the Imo APC, following a Federal High Court judgment recognising him as the party’s candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.
The court reportedly directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Okorocha instead of Uzodimma, who had earlier been declared winner of the party’s senatorial primary.
However, the Imo APC leadership has rejected the judgment, maintaining that Uzodimma remains its candidate and indicating its intention to pursue available legal options.
The disagreement has further exposed divisions within the ruling party in the state, with both political camps maintaining competing positions over its leadership and representation ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Despite the controversy, Okorocha said he was not disturbed by the competing claims, insisting that time would determine who genuinely commands the APC’s political structure in Imo State.
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
