Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is calling for the removal of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) due to his handling of the Edo State Gubernatorial Primary. Okechukwu claims that Uzodimma’s mismanagement led to the emergence of three candidates, reflecting poorly on the party. He questions Uzodimma’s competence and argues that his actions jeopardize the integrity of the party.
Okechukwu poses important questions, such as why Uzodimma, who failed in a similar role before, was entrusted with another important assignment. He criticizes Uzodimma for overstepping his authority by announcing election results instead of letting the Returning Officer do so. Okechukwu emphasizes the need for the PGF to focus on national issues like economic recovery rather than dealing with the fallout from Uzodimma’s actions.
Despite once supporting Uzodimma, Okechukwu admits his mistake and warns against further damage caused by the governor. He highlights Uzodimma’s track record of mishandling elections, resulting in discord within the party and poor performance in the 2023 presidential election in the Southeast.
The figures provided by Okechukwu illustrate the decline in APC’s support in the Southeast under Uzodimma’s leadership. In Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, the party’s votes significantly decreased compared to the 2019 elections. This decline is attributed to Uzodimma’s leadership style, which Okechukwu describes as causing division, dissatisfaction, and a loss of support among party members in the region.
Overall, Okechukwu’s statements highlight a growing dissatisfaction within the APC regarding Governor Uzodimma’s leadership and handling of crucial party matters. He argues that Uzodimma’s actions have damaged the party’s reputation and effectiveness, calling for his removal from the position of PGF chairman to prevent further harm. The narrative underscores the internal challenges faced by the APC and the urgency of addressing them to maintain unity and credibility within the party.
