“2023 South-East Vote Was a Political Accident, Won’t Repeat in 2027” — Uzodimma

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has described the South-East’s voting pattern in the 2023 presidential election as a “political accident,” saying it will not recur in 2027.

He made the remarks in Owerri while hosting leaders of the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu. The meeting focused on party unity and preparations ahead of upcoming primaries and the 2027 general elections.

The South-East delivered strong support to Labour Party candidate Peter Obi in 2023, a result Uzodimma attributed to what he called a “wrong national political calculation.”

“We made a wrong national political calculation in the South East in 2023. What happened… is a political accident that will not repeat itself,” he said.

Uzodimma urged party members to prioritise cohesion, stressing that internal disagreements must not weaken the APC’s position in the region. He also argued that alignment with the ruling party at the centre is essential for political relevance and access to federal opportunities.

According to the governor, the region must increase its electoral support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election cycle. He expressed confidence that the APC would secure stronger results in the South-East in 2027 and pledged efforts to maintain stability across the region.

“We must work to deliver more votes and ensure we are part of the national decision-making structure,” he said.

Other APC stakeholders at the meeting echoed calls for unity and discipline. Kalu, speaking on Abia State politics, criticised the current administration’s performance and said the state requires new leadership.

“Abia needs a breath of fresh air. What we have seen in recent times is not good enough,” he said.

He also compared governance outcomes in Abia and Imo States, praising Uzodimma’s approach while accusing Abia’s leadership of focusing more on publicity than development.

Kalu expressed confidence that the APC could win both the governorship and presidential vote in Abia in 2027, arguing that alignment with the federal government would bring greater benefits to the state.

The meeting concluded with party leaders reaffirming plans to strengthen APC structures in the South-East and build momentum ahead of the next general elections.