Okorocha Dismisses Rumors Of Defection From APC

Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has dismissed rumors suggesting he plans to leave the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), calling such claims baseless and politically motivated.

Reacting to a viral report that quoted him as describing the APC as “desperate to hijack power,” Okorocha denied ever making such a statement. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo, he described the report as fabricated by individuals threatened by his political influence.

“Almost eight years after leaving office as Executive Governor of Imo State and several years after serving as Senator representing Imo West, those with a phobia of Rochas Okorocha still cannot sleep with their two eyes closed,” the statement read.

“For days now, they have circulated a fake story on social media, falsely quoting me as saying, ‘APC is no longer a political party but a party desperate to hijack power at all costs. I am at the corner looking at them — Senator Rochas Okorocha.’

“Okorocha would never describe a party that has been in government since 2015, and still counting, as ‘desperate to hijack power.’ What power again?”

Okorocha further noted that he was the only sitting governor from the South-East who joined the APC at its inception, risking his political future during a time when the party had little support in the region.

“Okorocha took a political risk when major South-East leaders doubted the viability of the APC. He was ridiculed for his decision, yet he stayed committed,” the statement said.

He also highlighted his role as the first chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, a position he said was a recognition of his contribution to building the party into a formidable political force.

The statement concluded by stressing that if Okorocha had any concerns about the APC, he would not air them in a “badly written social media post” but rather express them openly and directly, in line with his well-known political style.