Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has dismissed the viability of a proposed coalition among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains strong, focused, and unshaken.
Speaking to a group of journalists in Lagos on Saturday, Uzodimma, who also chairs the Progressives Governors’ Forum, asserted that Nigeria’s political structure is based on partisan democracy, not coalition arrangements. He likened the opposition’s moves to seeking “political oxygen” after losing relevance.
“What is a coalition? We are practising partisan democracy, not coalition democracy. When your party is no longer viable and you seek political oxygen, you must first leave the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before discussing alliances,” he said.
Uzodimma emphasized that the APC has delivered results and will allow Nigerians to evaluate its performance at the appropriate time. He added that with over two years left in the current administration’s tenure, the focus must remain on governance, not politicking.
“This government remains focused. The APC is alert, and we won’t let anyone take what is in our hands. We are not asleep,” he said.
Highlighting the growing strength of the APC, Uzodimma noted that 79% of his former political opponents in Imo State have joined the party since 2020, indicating growing public confidence.
Turning to the political situation in Rivers State, Governor Uzodimma backed the idea of an emergency rule to protect critical national economic assets, especially oil infrastructure. As chairman of the National Economic Council’s subcommittee on crude oil theft, he stressed the importance of stability to protect production quotas.
“When pipelines were bombed, we had to prioritise safeguarding production. Any actions threatening our quotas must be condemned,” he stated.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the situation in Rivers, noting that any move to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara would have set a dangerous precedent. “As a Christian, I believe leadership is divine. It is God who ordains,” he concluded.
