Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has thrown his weight behind the Rainbow Coalition initiative promoted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, expressing readiness to replicate the political alliance in Imo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okorocha’s declaration followed a Federal High Court judgment recognising him as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District in the forthcoming 2027 elections.
The former governor made his position public on Thursday, October 29, shortly after the court delivered its verdict in the protracted disagreement over the party’s senatorial ticket involving him and Governor Hope Uzodimma.
He disclosed plans to establish a Rainbow Coalition structure in Imo State, bringing together politicians from different political parties to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition. The proposed alliance, according to him, would transcend party affiliations and unite political stakeholders around a common objective.
Speaking during a television interview, Okorocha commended Wike for encouraging political collaboration beyond traditional party boundaries. He argued that partisan differences should not prevent politicians from supporting individuals they consider capable of delivering effective governance and contributing meaningfully to national development.
He maintained that political alliances should be driven by competence, performance and shared interests rather than restricted by membership of a particular political party.
“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 explained that the proposed coalition would accommodate politicians across different platforms, particularly members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who would be encouraged to work alongside other political groups in support of Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He indicated that the initiative would require political compromises, including the possibility of some aspirants relinquishing their individual ambitions to advance the coalition’s collective interest.
“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 used the interview to question Uzodimma’s political influence, arguing that the incumbent governor lacked the capacity to independently guarantee the level of electoral support needed to secure Imo State and the wider South-East for Tinubu in 2027.
In a direct assessment of the governor’s political standing, the former governor declared that Uzodimma could not single-handedly deliver the state or the region to the President.
“Hope cannot carry Imo. Cannot carry South East,” he said.
He further challenged Uzodimma to establish his popularity among ordinary residents of the state, insisting that political relevance should be determined by genuine grassroots support rather than the authority attached to occupying public office.
The former governor equally rejected suggestions that his political appeal was sustained through financial incentives or material inducements. He attributed his connection with the electorate to personal relationships and the goodwill he claimed to enjoy among the people.
“So, it’s about love. It’s about genuine love of the people. It’s not about understanding,” Okorocha said.
Court Recognises Okorocha as APC Candidate
Okorocha’s political declaration came against the backdrop of a significant legal victory in his dispute with Uzodimma and the APC over the party’s ticket for the Imo West Senatorial District.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered judgment in the case, recognising the former governor as the APC candidate for the senatorial constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ruling marks a major development in the political contest surrounding the party’s representation in Imo West and provides the backdrop to Okorocha’s renewed political engagement ahead of the next general election.
