A recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja over the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Imo West has reportedly triggered fresh political tension within the party in Imo State.
The court reportedly directed that the name of former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, be forwarded in place of incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma as the APC candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election.
According to a report by Trumpeta, the ruling has generated unease among political associates of Uzodimma, with some reportedly concerned about the possible return of Okorocha’s former allies to his political camp.
Suspicion Over Okorocha’s Former Political Allies
The report said the tension became noticeable during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Owerri on Monday.
At the meeting, some supporters of Uzodimma reportedly criticised Okorocha, while some former appointees of the ex-governor, who are now aligned with the incumbent governor’s camp, allegedly avoided mentioning his name in their speeches.
The development reportedly fuelled speculation that some of Okorocha’s former political associates could be considering a regrouping within the APC.
During his administration, Okorocha’s political structure was known as the Rescue Mission camp. Although some members reportedly left the APC, others remained in the party and supported Uzodimma’s administration.
Former Okorocha Allies Mentioned in Political Speculation
Trumpeta reported that two former political associates of Okorocha, Chike Okafor and Ugonna Ozuruigbo, are among those being closely watched by members of the former governor’s camp.
Okafor served as a commissioner during Okorocha’s administration before later becoming a member of the House of Representatives.
Ozuruigbo, popularly known as OZB, served as Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly during the same administration.
The report suggested that Okorocha’s court victory could influence the political decisions of some former associates who have since aligned with Uzodimma within the APC.
Ozuruigbo’s Statement Fuels Further Speculation
The report also referred to a public statement attributed to Ozuruigbo, made a day after the Owerri stakeholders’ meeting.
According to Trumpeta, Ozuruigbo mentioned Okorocha during a subsequent interview, a development some observers reportedly interpreted as an attempt to ease concerns about a possible political realignment.
However, the report did not provide direct evidence that Ozuruigbo or other former Okorocha associates had decided to return to the former governor’s political camp.
It also did not establish that any formal plan to revive the Rescue Mission structure within the APC had been announced.
The reported developments have nevertheless added another dimension to the political contest surrounding the Imo West senatorial ticket and the relationship between the camps of Okorocha and Uzodimma.
