By Jane Salihu
Hope Uzodimma has dismissed the emergence of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and its decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly on course for re-election.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja after undergoing the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening exercise ahead of the 2027 elections, the Imo State governor said the ruling party was united and confident of victory.
“It was a very good exercise. APC is one family and we know ourselves. Following the requirements of the party, I submitted myself for proper screening, and to the best of my knowledge, they are satisfied and I am eligible,” Uzodimma said.
Reacting to the NDC convention held earlier in the day, where opposition leaders including Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso endorsed the zoning of the party’s presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, Uzodimma said the APC was not threatened.
“In a country of 36 states, 31 are sufficiently and transparently controlled by members of the APC,” he said.
“Look at that proportion. Thirty-one states are already for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If you add states where the APC shares influence, you will see that Nigeria has spoken.”
The governor questioned the political strength and structure of the NDC, arguing that the opposition coalition lacked the organizational depth to challenge the ruling party.
“We are not threatened by any party. First of all, this party that zoned the presidential ticket to the South—where is its head office?” he asked.
Uzodimma, who is seeking election to the Senate to represent Imo West Senatorial District, also spoke on the race for the leadership of the 11th Senate, saying his immediate focus remains on securing the mandate of his constituents.
“My ambition is to go to the Senate to represent my people. We don’t ask for leadership from the grassroots,” he said.
“When I get to the Senate, whatever rules we meet there, we will follow.”
The governor’s remarks underscore the confidence within the APC as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections amid renewed efforts by opposition leaders to forge a united political front.
