Lagos: The South East Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations of N800 billion fund diversion against Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo, labeling them as spurious and baseless. The chapter reaffirmed Uzodinma’s unwavering commitment to delivering good governance, sustainable development, and improved welfare for the people of Imo.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the APC South East Chapter made this known in a statement signed by Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, National Vice-Chairman (South-East), APC, in Lagos. The chapter asserted that the allegations were politically motivated, especially following Uzodinma’s indication to contest the Imo East senatorial seat in 2027.
The statement highlighted that the governor remains focused on his duties and will not be distracted by what it termed as baseless accusations. The APC South East Chapter has observed that the campaign against Uzodinma intensified after he indicated interest in returning to the Senate, a move he is constitutionally qualified to pursue. The chapter emphasized that every Nigerian has the right to express opinions but cautioned against using this as a means to blackmail a citizen exercising their constitutional rights.
It was recalled that Uzodinma faced accusations of diverting N800 billion allegedly contributed by the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign, causing unrest within the group. The chapter refuted these claims as factually incorrect and logically untenable, noting that no formal campaign fund for the President’s re-election had been established since the electioneering period had not commenced.
The APC South East Chapter pointed out that with legal restrictions on political campaigns still in place until September, it is practically impossible to divert or misappropriate resources for a campaign that has neither started nor reached any funding stage. It clarified that the PGF is not a campaign organization and any financial contributions for the President’s re-election would be directed to the official Presidential Campaign Organisation, not held in the PGF account.
Addressing the alleged ?800 billion figure, the chapter described the arithmetic as absurd, suggesting that each of the 31 PGF members would have had to contribute about ?26 billion, a figure it deemed unrealistic and laughable. The chapter stated that no governor, regardless of political affiliation, would allocate such a significant amount to a national campaign while managing re-election or other critical state-level activities.
The chapter commended Uzodinma’s record of transparency and accountability throughout his public service career, noting that he has never been credibly linked to any financial impropriety. It urged opposition parties to cease discrediting prominent APC leaders and observed that responsible mainstream media had ignored the report due to its lack of substance.
The APC South East Chapter called on those behind the allegations to redirect their efforts towards offering Nigerians credible policy alternatives, innovative programs, and tangible solutions to the nation’s challenges, rather than engaging in fictitious propaganda.