APC governor backs Uzodimma for Senate Presidency ahead of 2027

Ahead of the ward congresses of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), indications have emerged that some governors are making moves to consolidate control of the party’s structures across the country.

Sources familiar with the development said the strategy is aimed at strengthening their influence within the party ahead of 2027, including shaping the leadership of the 11th National Assembly. Central to the reported discussions is the possibility of positioning the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, for the Senate Presidency.

According to sources, the broader objective is to ensure substantial influence over the composition and leadership of the 11th Senate upon its inauguration in June 2027. Uzodimma, who secured a second term as governor in November 2023, is said to be eligible to contest for a senatorial seat while still in office, as there is no legal prohibition against doing so.

A source disclosed that one of the options available to the Imo governor, if he chooses to pursue the ambition, would be to resign his position and focus on securing the Senate Presidency, subject to winning the senatorial election and obtaining the backing of his colleagues.

However, the plan is said to depend largely on President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement and whether governors would be allowed significant influence in determining the leadership of the next National Assembly.

Uzodimma, responding through his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku, said he was not aware of any such move by his colleagues but described the speculation as a “prophecy” he received with an open mind.

“You have just informed me; however, I receive this prophecy with an open mind. This is good tidings. If my colleagues are thinking about me in this respect, this goes to show the level of cordial relationship among us, and I commend their sense of reasoning,” he said.

Uzodimma, who served as senator between 2011 and 2019 before becoming governor, would be regarded as a ranking senator if he returns to the upper chamber. Since 2007, the Senate has become a common political destination for governors completing their constitutionally permitted two terms.

A presidential source, however, cautioned that while discussions may be ongoing among governors, the final decision would rest with the President and the party’s national leadership. The source noted that there are concerns about granting governors sweeping powers to determine National Assembly candidates, especially given past instances where some governors were perceived to have influenced legislative positions on critical national issues.

“It’s not as if the President does not have a good working relationship with them, but in politics there is no finality. Handing over National Assembly tickets entirely to governors is not a straightforward matter,” the source said.

On allegations that governors are seeking to hijack the party ahead of the congresses, Uzodimma dismissed the claim, stressing that the APC remains a disciplined party guided by established rules and procedures.

He said the focus of the party leadership is to conduct credible and transparent congresses and primaries, adding, “When we get to the bridge, we will cross it.”

As of press time, there was no official confirmation from the presidency regarding endorsement of any arrangement concerning the 2027 National Assembly leadership.

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