Okorocha Slams Uzodimma, Plans ‘Rainbow Coalition’ to Back Tinubu in 2027

Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has criticised Governor Hope Uzodimma, describing him as an opportunist who lacks the political influence to deliver support for the South-East.

Okorocha also maintained that Uzodimma does not enjoy the level of popularity he commands in Imo State, arguing that the governor’s influence is largely confined to the political circles of Abuja.

His remarks came shortly after a Federal High Court ruling voided Uzodimma’s senatorial nomination in the All Progressives Congress primary for the Imo West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during an appearance on a television programme on Thursday, Okorocha said his return to the ballot would strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing victory in Imo State during the 2027 presidential election.

“With my name on the ballot, Tinubu can be assured of victory in Imo State,” he said. The former governor accused Uzodimma of focusing on personal political ambitions rather than governance, insisting that the incumbent governor lacks the grassroots support needed to rally the region behind any political project.

According to Okorocha, he intends to launch a broad-based “Rainbow Coalition” aimed at mobilising support for President Tinubu across party lines, similar to the alliance-building approach advocated by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

He explained that the coalition would bring together members of different political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, to pursue what he described as a shared national objective.

“We are going to form a Rainbow Coalition. We will bring together people from different political backgrounds to support Tinubu and achieve a common goal,” he said.

Okorocha argued that such alliances should be driven by governance considerations rather than strict party loyalty, adding that capable leaders deserve support regardless of political affiliation.

The former governor also renewed his challenge to Uzodimma’s eligibility to contest for a Senate seat while still serving as governor, whose tenure is expected to run until January 2028.

He contended that seeking election to another public office while occupying the governorship raises constitutional and ethical questions, particularly regarding the possibility of holding two public positions within overlapping periods.

According to him, the legal dispute over Uzodimma’s senatorial ambition extends beyond political rivalry and touches on issues surrounding constitutional compliance and the validity of nomination documents submitted by both camps.

On calls for a single four-year presidential term, a proposal recently championed by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Okorocha expressed reservations, describing it as a political gamble.

While praising Obi as a competent and respected political figure, he argued that supporting Tinubu’s re-election represented a strategic decision that could strengthen the South-East’s prospects of securing reciprocal political backing in the future.

“We are supporting Tinubu not out of sentiment but as part of a strategic alliance. In the future, we can point to that support when seeking backing for our own aspirations,” Okorocha said.

The comments highlight growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as key figures across party lines position themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested electoral cycle.