Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has expressed confidence that more members of opposition parties will continue to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming months.
The governor made this prediction during a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, following a meeting with political stakeholders from Delta State. Uzodimma’s comments came after the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.
Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), highlighted the growing strength of the APC in Delta State. He noted that with Oborevwori’s defection, the party’s influence in the state is rapidly increasing, with the APC now poised to become the dominant political force.
“The tide is moving, and people are joining the APC. There is no end to it,” Uzodimma said. “Our party in Delta is growing stronger, and we are now approaching a point where Delta is almost a one-party state.”
Uzodimma’s statement reflects the APC’s recent successes in expanding its reach and influence across the country. The Imo State governor emphasized that this growth would not stop with the defection of a few high-profile members but would continue to see many more opposition figures join the ruling party.
He acknowledged the importance of managing the integration of both new and old members to ensure unity within the party. “We have to use the internal mechanisms of our great party to manage this success,” Uzodimma explained. “We will welcome new members and leaders, and work together to grow the party and support the government for the benefit of our people.”
Uzodimma’s comments reflect a broader political shift in Nigeria, with the APC making significant strides in various states previously dominated by opposition parties. Delta State’s recent shift is seen as a major win for the ruling party, and Uzodimma is confident this momentum will continue.
In the last few years, the APC has been able to secure several defections from opposition strongholds, strengthening its political influence. The party’s recent successes in state elections and the ongoing defections show that the APC is seen by many as a dominant force in Nigerian politics.
Uzodimma’s confidence in the party’s future growth is not misplaced, given the party’s ability to maintain relevance across different regions and its political connections with key figures across the country. This has placed the APC in a favorable position heading into the next general elections.
Governor Uzodimma stressed that the key to sustaining this growth would be the careful management of both long-time and newly-joined members. The APC, according to Uzodimma, must continue to uphold its values and internal mechanisms to ensure a smooth integration of new members while also maintaining the party’s integrity.
“The internal mechanisms will ensure that we welcome everyone, making them feel part of the APC family. Our focus will be on strengthening the party, supporting the government, and working toward the well-being of Nigerians,” Uzodimma said.
As the APC continues to expand, the challenge will be to maintain its unity and address potential divisions that may arise from the influx of new members from opposition parties. However, Uzodimma remains optimistic that the party’s structure and leadership will guide this process effectively.
Uzodimma also expressed particular satisfaction with the developments in Delta State, which he sees as a testimony to the growing admiration for the APC’s governance style. With more influential figures like Governor Oborevwori joining the party, Uzodimma believes the APC is well-positioned to take control of Delta and, potentially, other states in the South-South region.
“This development is a big testimony to the fact that the APC government in Nigeria is being admired by many,” Uzodimma said. “We are committed to making sure that this growth continues, and that we bring prosperity to every region of the country.”
While the APC continues to expand its influence, critics argue that the party’s dominance could lead to fewer political alternatives and limit the diversity of political thought in the country. Nonetheless, Uzodimma’s remarks highlight the ruling party’s confidence in its future and its ambitions for the upcoming years.
