The Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu has expressed concerns that a Federal High Court ruling could have far-reaching consequences for the All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu's prospects in the 2027 elections. The group, in a statement signed by its National President, Hon. Gbenga Owojori, noted that the judgment has altered calculations around the Senate presidency. This development risks shutting out a leading Southeast contender, Governor Hope Uzodinma, before the next Senate is formed.
Governor Uzodinma, who previously served in the Senate, is seen by his supporters as a credible option for the Senate presidency. They claim he already enjoys support from political leaders across party lines. However, allegations have surfaced that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has an interest in blocking Uzodinma as a potential rival. The group also pointed to claims that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike played a role in pushing the legal challenge, which has been linked to Akpabio's earlier support for Wike during his dispute with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The group described Wike as a "meddlesome interloper" and cited allegations that the minister has claimed in certain circles he could replace President Tinubu if the doctrine of necessity were invoked over concerns about the President's health. The group stressed that these claims should not be treated as established facts but require clarification. They insisted that Uzodinma should be judged on his record, experience, and the support he commands, and that no candidate should be excluded simply to protect another politician's ambitions.
The APC, the group said, must keep its nomination processes transparent to avoid deepening regional disaffection and weakening the coalition the President will need in 2027. The group warned that the fallout could reach beyond Imo State, as Southeast leaders may conclude that their support for the administration is not matched by fair representation. This dissatisfaction could weaken party unity, reduce grassroots mobilisation, and make it harder for Tinubu to expand his base ahead of 2027.
The group also flagged claims that certain political actors had boasted of installing Ifeanyi Ararume as governor, along with allegations involving Ade Tinubu, described as the President's daughter's fiancé and personal physician. These claims, the group said, require substantiation and a response from those named. The group called on the APC leadership to address the concerns through transparent processes and inclusive dialogue.
Tinubu's second-term prospects depend in part on the unity of the party and the trust of its regional partners. A fair opportunity for Governor Uzodinma, the group argued, would help preserve confidence in the APC. Further marginalisation of the Southeast could have serious consequences for the party and the President's re-election bid. The group stressed that the judgment must be assessed on its legal merits and that the public deserves confidence that no political pressure has influenced the judicial process.
The Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu urged the APC leadership to take immediate action to address the concerns and ensure that the party's nomination processes are transparent and inclusive. The group emphasised that the party must work to maintain the trust of its regional partners and ensure that the Southeast region feels fairly represented.
Key points
- A court ruling recognising Rochas Okorocha as an APC candidate could deepen tensions in the South-East and weaken President Tinubu's 2027 re-election chances.
- The group warned that further marginalisation of the Southeast could deepen regional disaffection and weaken the coalition the President will need in 2027.
- The APC leadership is urged to address concerns through transparent processes and inclusive dialogue to maintain party unity and the trust of regional partners.
