Okorocha backs Wike’s coalition, challenges Uzodimma’s Popularity

Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has declared support for the Rainbow Coalition led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his court victory over the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Imo West.

Okorocha reportedly joined the coalition hours after the Federal High Court recognised him as the authentic APC candidate for the Imo West senatorial district. The case involved a dispute with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The development comes amid a political disagreement between Uzodimma and Wike over the Rainbow Coalition. The governor had reportedly vowed that the group would not be recognised in Imo State.

Speaking on Arise News, Okorocha praised Wike and other supporters of the coalition, saying politicians should work together to promote good governance, regardless of their political parties.

He said leaders should support people who can perform well, even when they belong to different parties.

“That’s what it’s called, governance. I’ve seen somebody who can do well, even though it’s not from my party. Let’s give them support,” Okorocha said.

The former governor also said politicians from different parties could work together to help President Bola Tinubu win re-election in 2027.

He explained that some candidates could step down to support a common political goal.

“We’re going to bring PDP, all of them to support Tinubu to win. Some people will step down. Some people are sure. Some people will step down their position. Just make sure we achieve one common goal,” he said.

Okorocha also questioned Uzodimma’s popularity in Imo State and the South-East, claiming the governor lacked enough support to deliver the region politically.

“Hope cannot carry Imo. Cannot carry South East,” he said.

He challenged the governor to test his popularity among the people of the state.

Okorocha also denied that his political support came from financial inducements, insisting that people supported him because they genuinely liked him.

“So, it’s about love. It’s about genuine love of the people. It’s not about understanding,” he said.

Okorocha’s decision to support Wike’s coalition could affect political alliances in Imo State as politicians begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.