Okorocha joins Wike’s Rainbow Coalition after court victory

Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has endorsed the Rainbow Coalition spearheaded by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his recent victory in a Federal High Court case regarding the APC senatorial ticket for Imo West. Okorocha announced his support for the coalition shortly after the court acknowledged him as the legitimate APC candidate for the Imo West senatorial district, stemming from a dispute involving Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The news emerged from a conversation with Okorocha on Arise News, where he praised Wike and other advocates of the coalition, emphasizing that the group should focus on supporting capable individuals irrespective of their political affiliations. "That's what it's called, governance. I've seen somebody who can do well, even though it's not from my party. Let's give them support," Okorocha stated.

In addition to his endorsement of the coalition, Okorocha suggested that politicians from various parties could collaborate to achieve a common political goal, including backing President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid. "We're going to bring PDP, all of them to support Tinubu to win. Some people will step down. Some people are sure. Some people will step down their position. Just make sure we achieve one common goal," he said.

Okorocha also criticized Uzodimma's political standing in Imo State, arguing that the governor lacked the grassroots support that Okorocha claimed to possess. "Hope cannot carry Imo. Cannot carry South East," he said, inviting the governor to prove his popularity among residents. Okorocha dismissed allegations that his political influence was based on financial inducements, asserting that his support was rooted in genuine public affection.

"So, it's about love. It's about genuine love of the people. It's not about understanding," he emphasized.

This latest development could significantly alter political dynamics in Imo State, especially as the dispute over the APC's Imo West senatorial ticket continues and broader coalition efforts gain momentum ahead of upcoming elections.