South East APC says Uzodimma did not divert ₦800 billion

The South East Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) describes the allegation that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo diverted N800 billion as spurious and baseless.

The chapter also affirmed that Uzodimma remains steadfast in his commitment to good governance, sustainable development and improved welfare for the people of Imo.

This position was conveyed in a statement signed by Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, National Vice‑Chairman (South‑East), APC, in Lagos on Wednesday.

The chapter characterized the accusations as politically motivated, especially after Uzodimma indicated his intention to contest the Imo East senatorial seat in 2027.

“Uzodimma remains unwavering in his commitment to delivering good governance, sustainable development, and improved welfare for the people of Imo, and will not be distracted by such baseless accusations.”

The APC South East noted that it has been monitoring the campaign since Uzodimma expressed interest in returning to the Senate at the request of his constituents.

It emphasized that the governor, like any eligible citizen, is constitutionally qualified to run for a senatorial election.

“While every Nigerian has the right of opinion, that should not be a justification to blackmail a citizen who is exercising his constitutional right,” the statement added.

Previously, Uzodimma was accused of diverting N800 billion allegedly contributed by the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) for President Bola Tinubu’s re‑election campaign, a claim that caused tension within the group.

The chapter called the allegation factually incorrect and logically untenable, noting that no formal campaign fund for the president’s re‑election had been established because the electioneering period had not yet begun.

“With the legal restriction on political campaigns still in force until September, it is practically impossible to divert or misappropriate resources for an exercise that has neither started nor reached any stage requiring funding,” it said.

The statement further clarified that the PGF is not a campaign organisation and has never functioned as one; any contributions intended for the president’s re‑election would be directed to the official presidential campaign organisation, not to a PGF account.

Regarding the N800 billion figure, the APC South East highlighted the arithmetic absurdity of the claim, noting that it would require each of the 31 PGF members to contribute roughly N26 billion.

“This figure is not only unrealistic but laughable. No governor, regardless of political affiliation, would commit such a colossal sum to a national campaign while simultaneously prosecuting re‑election or other critical state‑level political activities,” it stated.

The chapter asserted that Uzodimma has consistently maintained a record of transparency and accountability throughout his public service career and has never been credibly linked to financial impropriety.

It urged opposition figures to stop discrediting prominent APC leaders, noting that responsible mainstream media have ignored the report because of its lack of substance.

The APC South East called on those behind the campaign to redirect their energy and resources toward offering Nigerians credible policy alternatives, innovative programmes and tangible solutions to the nation’s challenges, rather than wasting time on fictitious propaganda.

“Nigerians are sophisticated enough to distinguish between genuine governance and cheap political fiction,” the chapter concluded.

(NAN)

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