I REMAIN DOMINANT APC FIGURE IN IMO — OKOROCHA

Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has insisted that he remains a leading force in the All Progressives Congress in the state, dismissing claims that he has lost influence over its political structure.

Speaking on Arise News on Thursday, Okorocha said his role in building the party remained central to its identity in Imo.

“Rochas is the APC in Imo State. I was a founding father of this party,” he said.

His comments followed a Federal High Court judgment recognising him as the winner of the APC primary for Imo West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 elections.

The dispute has placed him at odds with Governor Hope Uzodimma and party figures supporting the governor’s claim to the ticket.

Okorocha argued that the case concerned him and Uzodimma as individual contestants, rather than the Imo State Government.

“It’s not Imo State Government contesting for election, it’s Hope Uzodimma,” he said.

He also questioned the legitimacy of the party structures opposing him, alleging that their leaders were acting on the governor’s behalf and had not emerged through a congress.

“Was there any congress conducted? There was none,” he claimed.

Okorocha maintained that his relationship with voters would allow him to mobilise support for the APC and President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

The supplied report did not include responses from Uzodimma or the party officials whose legitimacy he challenged.