Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has declared support for the Rainbow Coalition championed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his victory at the Federal High Court over the All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial ticket for Imo West.
Okorocha reportedly joined the coalition hours after the court recognised him as the authentic APC candidate for the Imo West senatorial district, in a dispute involving Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The development comes amid a political disagreement between Uzodimma and Wike over the Rainbow Coalition, which the Imo governor had reportedly vowed would not be recognised in the state.
Speaking on Arise News, Okorocha commended Wike and other advocates of the coalition, saying the initiative could promote cooperation beyond party affiliations.
He explained that the coalition should prioritise governance by supporting capable individuals regardless of their political 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 suggested that politicians from different parties could work together to achieve a common political objective, including supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“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 criticised Uzodimma’s political standing in Imo State, claiming that the governor lacked the level of grassroots support he attributed to himself.
“Hope cannot carry Imo. Cannot carry South East,” he said, challenging the governor to test his popularity among residents of the state.
He further rejected allegations that his political influence was driven by financial inducements, insisting that his support came from genuine public affection.
“So, it’s about love. It’s about genuine love of the people. It’s not about understanding,” Okorocha said.
The latest development could reshape political alignments in Imo State, particularly as the dispute over the APC’s Imo West senatorial ticket unfolds alongside broader coalition efforts ahead of future elections.