The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has vowed to support his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, should he decide to pursue his gubernatorial ambition on the platform of another party other than the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Nwosu, the current Chief of Staff to the governor, had sought the APC gubernatorial ticket but lost to Sen. Hope Uzodinma, a result that he rejected alongside the governor.
The duo accused the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, of masterminding Nwosu’s loss.
Okorocha, who is the Chairman of the APC Governors Forum, has said he would not oppose his son-in-law seeking the governorship seat from another party as long as the party endorses President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term ambition.
Speaking with journalists at the Government House, Owerri on Tuesday, Okorocha said, “I know most of you are aware of what is happening in APC, from the removal of Osita Izunaso, as the National Organizing Secretary and the coming of Adams Oshiomhole as the National chairman.
“However, our party that is known for uprightness and justice, which reflects the image of Buhari, has been dainted by the action of Oshiomhole.
“What we saw in Imo is an example where people who did not contest for the party’s primaries now fly the ticket of the party in the state. I have not left APC. I will support Buhari for presidency.
“What they don’t understand is that in Imo, we don’t play party politics we play politics of individual. What they don’t know is that people join APC because of me. I have done all I can to ensure that APC members stay back in APC.
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“I will not be surprised to see most of them who contested the primaries join other politicial parties to pursue their ambition. I cannot stop them to join any party of their choice.
“Buhari does not know what Oshiomhole is doing. I have pleaded to those who want to join other parties to please support President Mohammadu Buhari for presidency.
“The politics of Imo state has changed now. It is no longer an individual controlling the politics.
“As a father of Imo state, I still remain in the best position to select the best among Emeka Ihedioha, Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Araraume and Uche Nwosu who is the best among all of them. Nwosu believes in Imo state; he has investment in the state.
“Nwosu is my candidate. Any party that these young men want to go they are free and I want say it again that Nwosu is my candidate.
“In selecting who will govern Imo state, you look at the past record, their history and what investment they have brought to Imo state. I want to announce to you that I am still running for the senate and my party is still the APC.
“All these people are used as instrument to fight me for 2023. It will not affect my victory in 2019. Let me also say this: my boys never intended to betray me. They were given fake hope.
“Hope (Uzodinma) has played them 419 and today they never got the governor and deputy. They were promised that they would be given the guber ticket to Owerri zone. And today, where is the ticket for Owerri zone. They lost it. They have given it to another person.”