2027 Election: APC Chieftain Eze Rebukes Okocha’s Allegations

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former National Publicity Secretary of the now-defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), has responded to recent comments made by Tony Okocha, the ousted Chairman of the Rivers APC Committee.

Okocha had suggested that former Minister Chibuike Amaechi harboured ambitions to use the APC machinery to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement released on Sunday, Chief Eze strongly refuted Okocha’s claims, advising him to desist from what he described as using Amaechi’s name for personal gain.

According to Eze, Okocha’s assertions are baseless and only serve to further the interests of those who are threatened by Amaechi’s influence.

He accused Okocha of aligning with individuals who are orchestrating smear campaigns against Amaechi in an effort to undermine his political standing.

Eze’s response was triggered by Okocha’s recent comments, where he implied that there was a plan to position Amaechi as the APC leader, thereby enabling him to challenge President Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.

This, according to Okocha, was part of a larger strategy by Amaechi to reclaim his influence within the party and ultimately unseat Tinubu.

Dismissing these claims, Eze pointed out the numerous challenges currently facing Nigeria under Tinubu’s administration, suggesting that these issues, rather than any political manoeuvring by Amaechi, would be the determining factors in the 2027 election.

He cited the country’s worsening unemployment, escalating insecurity, and rising cost of living as more significant concerns for the electorate, which could lead to widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration by the time of the next election.

“It is sheer folly for anyone to speak so confidently about the political landscape in 2027 when the country is grappling with so many pressing issues today,” Eze stated.

He also reminded Okocha and others speculating about the future to consider the unpredictability of life, referencing the Bible’s teachings in James 4:14, which speaks to the uncertainty of the future.

Eze also took the opportunity to clarify the leadership structure within the APC, particularly in the South-South region.

He urged Okocha and his supporters to revisit the history of the APC’s formation, where Bola Ahmed Tinubu was established as the National Leader of the party, while Chibuike Amaechi was recognised as the South-South leader.

Despite Muhammadu Buhari’s subsequent presidency, Tinubu retained his position as the National Leader, illustrating the enduring influence and respect accorded to those foundational roles.

In light of this, Eze advised Okocha and his backers to focus their efforts on addressing the myriad challenges currently plaguing Nigeria, rather than engaging in speculative and divisive rhetoric about future elections.

He highlighted the need for collective action to tackle the economic and social problems that have intensified under Tinubu’s administration, which, according to Eze, have significantly tarnished the reputation of Nigeria as a leading nation in Africa.

Eze further accused Okocha of organising a costly and ineffectual protest in support of President Tinubu, a move he believes was motivated by a desire to remain in the good graces of his political benefactors.

He claimed that the protest, which allegedly cost over fifty million Naira, was orchestrated after Okocha was ousted by the court, in an attempt to retain his influence within the APC and to appease those he sought to impress.

In conclusion, Eze called on Okocha and others to engage in more constructive activities that would contribute positively to the nation’s progress rather than indulging in actions aimed at creating divisions within the party.

He warned that such actions only serve to distract from the real issues at hand and could ultimately weaken the party’s position as it approaches future elections.

Eze’s remarks highlight the ongoing tensions within the APC, particularly in the Rivers State chapter, where internal power struggles continue to play out.

His admonition to Okocha serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play within the party, and the need for unity and focus as the APC navigates its way through the challenges of governance and prepares for the political battles ahead.