South-East chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma diverted N800 billion meant for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
The party described the allegation as false and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by APC National Vice Chairman (South-East) Ijeomah Arodiogbu, the party said Governor Uzodimma remained focused on governance and would not be distracted by the claims.
The APC said the allegation surfaced after the governor reportedly indicated interest in contesting 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 statement read.
The party said every Nigerian has the constitutional right to contest elections and warned against using allegations to target political opponents.
Uzodimma was accused of diverting funds allegedly contributed by members of the Progressive Governors Forum for Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
Reacting to the claim, the APC South-East said no formal campaign fund had been set up because political campaigns had not officially started.
“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,” the party said.
It also stated that the Progressive Governors Forum was not a campaign organisation and could not keep funds meant for a presidential campaign.
On the alleged N800 billion figure, the APC said the amount was unrealistic because it would mean each of the 31 APC governors contributed about 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,” the statement added.
The party also said Uzodimma had not been linked to financial misconduct during his time in public office.
It urged opposition figures to focus on policy alternatives and solutions instead of spreading what it described as propaganda.
