According to The Sun News, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not losing sleep over recent efforts by opposition leaders to form a coalition aimed at securing victory in the 2027 presidential polls.
Addressing journalists during a press conference in Lagos yesterday, Uzodimma emphasised that the APC remains vigilant and will not allow any alliance to wrest power from its grip.
He stated, “What exactly is a coalition? We are operating within the framework of partisan democracy, not coalition-based politics. In partisan democracy, political parties are the platforms for electoral participation. If a party is struggling for relevance and looking for external support to stay alive, that’s a sign it’s on life support. You need to leave the ICU first before engaging in political talk.”
Continuing, he said, “As I mentioned earlier, you don’t tamper with a team that’s performing. We’ve witnessed the transformation from where we started to where we are now and where we’re headed. Ultimately, the decision lies with the Nigerian people. But the next election is still some distance away; we still have over two years to fulfil our mandate.”
Uzodimma criticised early politicking by some opposition members, noting, “If you’ve only served half your term and you’re already strategizing for re-election, you’re losing focus. That’s a serious distraction. But I know that this administration remains committed. APC is alert and determined. We won’t sit back and let anyone take what we’ve worked hard to achieve.”
“The APC is the party in power, and as the saying goes, you don’t change a team that’s delivering results. Just like in sports, if a player is winning, they keep playing. That said, we’re always open to fresh perspectives and new ideas. No single individual has all the answers; even a president cannot singlehandedly solve all national challenges. It is through collective input and collaboration that we’ll make Nigeria more secure and prosperous. From my standpoint, the APC is strong, organised, and delivering.”
He went on to talk about the political shift in Imo State, stating, “Between 2020 and 2025, about 79 per cent of those who once opposed me have now aligned with me. A political party is nothing without its people. And in Imo, the majority now support the APC.”
On the issue of a possible emergency rule in Rivers State, Uzodimma said, “I’ve addressed this before. My position is based on the need to protect key national assets. When I heard a pipeline was attacked, it was alarming. We’re doing everything possible to increase oil output. As chairman of the National Economic Council’s oil theft subcommittee, I know how damaging such sabotage can be.”
He said President Bola Tinubu, being the country’s Chief Security Officer, was equally disturbed by the tension in Rivers. “What could have happened if they would have allowed those in the House of Assembly to impeach my colleague Fubara. It would be him today and another person tomorrow. That kind of crisis must be prevented.”
Uzodimma wrapped up with a personal reflection: “I believe leadership comes from God. When I became governor, I was one of the most criticised and underestimated. Many didn’t expect me to succeed, but here I am.
You Can Get More News Using The Button Below.