Okorocha: You Claim To Be An APC Member In Abuja, Yet You’re Running For Senate In Imo West—Opurozor

Collins Opurozor, Special Adviser to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma on Electronic and Creative Media, has questioned former governor Rochas Okorocha’s political standing within the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly regarding his participation in the party’s senatorial contest for Imo West ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to remarks made during an interview on Arise TV on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Opurozor challenged Okorocha’s claim to political influence within the APC, arguing that the former governor’s activities raised questions about his connection with the party’s structures and members in Imo State.

The governor’s aide made the comments while discussing the ongoing disagreement over the APC senatorial ticket for Imo West. He questioned how Okorocha could identify himself as an influential APC member while allegedly conducting his political activities primarily from Abuja rather than maintaining an active presence within the party’s grassroots structures in the state.

During the television appearance, Opurozor directly challenged Okorocha’s political position, stating, “You claim to be an APC member in Abuja, yet you are running for Senate in Imo West.”

He argued that anyone seeking to represent a senatorial district should demonstrate a strong relationship with the people and political structures within the constituency. According to him, political influence should not be determined by claims of party membership or connections with influential figures at the national level but by active participation in the party’s activities at the grassroots.

Opurozor further alleged that Okorocha had not demonstrated sufficient political commitment to his ward and constituency, raising questions about the level of support he commands among APC members in the area. He also referred to the party’s electoral performances in the constituency since 2019 as part of his argument against the former governor’s claims of grassroots influence.

The governor’s aide maintained that genuine party membership requires consistent involvement in political activities, including engagement with members at the ward, local government and state levels.

He suggested that seeking an elective position without maintaining such connections could raise questions about a politician’s commitment to the party and the people he intends to represent.

The disagreement is taking place against the backdrop of the legal battle over the APC senatorial ticket for Imo West. Okorocha has maintained that he won the party’s primary following a Federal High Court judgment recognising his position in the contest.

However, supporters of Governor Uzodimma have continued to maintain that the incumbent governor emerged as the party’s candidate during the senatorial primary conducted on May 18, creating further uncertainty surrounding the party’s representation in the forthcoming election.

Opurozor’s latest comments reflect the continuing disagreement between the two political camps, with both sides maintaining different positions on the legitimacy of the senatorial ticket and the political standing of the individuals involved.

Click on the link to watch the video from 6:29 – 6:35

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