GOVERNOR Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has described the outcome of the 2023 general elections in the South-East as a “wrong national political calculation,” insisting that the voting pattern in the region was a “political accident” that will not be repeated in 2027.
News Point Nigeria reports that Uzodimma made the remarks while hosting leaders of the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, led by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, at the Government House in Owerri.
The meeting, convened ahead of the party’s primaries, focused on strengthening unity within the APC in the South-East and mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
It also centred on fostering cohesion among party members in the region.
Speaking during the meeting, Uzodimma said: “We made a wrong national political calculation in the South East in 2023. What happened in the South East in 2023 is a political accident that will not repeat itself.”
He stressed the need for unity among party members, urging leaders and stakeholders to set aside their differences in the overall interest of the region.
“Our job is to be our brother’s keeper. Unite, no matter the disagreement,” he said.
The South-East had overwhelmingly backed opposition candidate Peter Obi during the last presidential election.
The governor further underscored the importance of the region aligning politically with the ruling party at the centre to remain relevant in national affairs.
“Nigeria is built on a tripod. The only way to reintegrate properly and take charge is to be part and parcel of the APC, to have a say in Nigeria,” he added.
According to him, increased participation within the APC would enable the region to benefit more from the Federal Government.
“We must work for Bola Tinubu to be indebted to us. We have to invest to be able to earn dividends. We must get more votes for the President in the South East,” he stated.
Uzodimma expressed confidence in the APC’s electoral chances in the region, saying: “President Bola Tinubu will win convincingly in the South East, and we will be signatories to that victory.”
He also assured that efforts were ongoing to maintain stability, adding: “We will enforce peace in the South East.”
The governor cautioned party members against allowing internal contests to create divisions, warning that the forthcoming primaries should not become a battleground.
Those in attendance included key APC stakeholders such as the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), Ijeoma Arodiogbu; former Minister of State for Labour, Nkiru Onyejiocha; former Minister of State for Education, Henry Ikoh; and Chairman of the South East Development Commission, Emeka Wogu, among others.
In their separate remarks, party leaders emphasised the need for cohesion, discipline, and strategic focus as the APC prepares for its primaries and the broader electoral contest.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said the political stakes in Abia State remain high, criticising the performance of the current administration, which he said has fallen short of expectations.
“Abia needs a breath of fresh air. What we have seen in recent times is not good enough for our people,” he said.
Drawing a comparison with Imo State, Kalu commended Uzodimma’s governance approach.
“With similar allocation and resources, you can see that Governor Uzodimma is doing much better in Imo State. He is not making noise about his achievements, but the work is visible,” he noted.
He further accused the Abia State government of prioritising publicity over performance.
“In Abia, what we see is noise on social media without corresponding development on ground. Governance is not about propaganda; it is about results,” he added.
Kalu maintained that the APC must take over leadership in the state, expressing confidence in the party’s prospects in 2027.
“The APC must win Abia in 2027, both in the governorship and in delivering the President. That is the only way to reposition the state and align with the centre for greater benefits,” he said.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment among APC leaders in the South-East to strengthen party structures, deepen unity, and mobilise stronger electoral support for President Tinubu as momentum builds towards the 2027 general elections.