SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma’s reported ambition to contest the Imo West senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, insisting that no provision of the Nigerian Constitution requires him to resign before seeking election.
The party’s National Vice-Chairman for the South-East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, argued that Uzodimma is constitutionally qualified to pursue the senatorial ambition while completing his tenure as governor.
Arodiogbu, who also serves as the Southeast Co-Zonal Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, made the position known while responding to questions about the legality of a sitting governor contesting for a legislative seat.
At the centre of the debate is Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits a sitting governor from holding another executive office or paid employment while in office.
However, Arodiogbu maintained that the provision does not prevent a governor from seeking nomination, participating in an election, or winning another political position.
According to him, the constitutional restriction concerns occupying two offices simultaneously, not pursuing a future political position.
He further cited Section 68(1)(f) of the Constitution, arguing that its provisions recognize the need for elected officials to vacate one office before assuming another incompatible position.
“There is no constitutional impediment against Senator Hope Uzodimma’s aspiration. The Constitution does not require a sitting governor to resign merely because he desires to contest another election. What it forbids is dual occupancy of offices,” he said.
Arodiogbu added that should Uzodimma win the election, he would resign as governor before taking the oath of office as a senator.
The APC chieftain also argued that Uzodimma’s tenure, which is expected to end in January 2028, does not automatically disqualify him from participating in the 2027 senatorial election.
However, the legal argument is unfolding against an existing dispute over who should represent the APC in the Imo West senatorial contest.
On October 29, a Federal High Court in Abuja reportedly ruled that former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha won the APC senatorial primary for the district. The state government has indicated its intention to appeal the judgment.
This development introduces another layer of uncertainty into the contest, as the disagreement goes beyond constitutional eligibility to the question of who legitimately emerged as the party’s candidate.
While Arodiogbu reaffirmed the APC’s support for Uzodimma’s political ambition, the eventual outcome may depend on the interpretation of the relevant constitutional provisions and the resolution of the party’s internal legal dispute.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the Imo West contest is shaping up to be an important political battle involving two influential figures in Imo politics.
For now, the governor’s eligibility argument and the dispute over the party’s primary remain separate issues that will require clear legal resolution.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
