Uzodimma cautions APC against mistaking political structures for voter support

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against assuming that its control of all tiers of government automatically translates into popular support ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Uzodimma, speaking in his capacity as chairman of the All Progressives Governors Forum, said the ruling party must persuade voters through its campaign rather than rely solely on its political structures and numerical strength.

He spoke on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

“Permit me also to sound a word of caution, which I offer to myself as much as to anyone. A party that controls every tier of government can easily grow comfortable and begin to mistake the size of its structure for the depth of its support,” he said.

The governor stressed that despite the party’s dominance across the country, electoral victory would depend on its ability to win the confidence of individual voters.

“But as critical as structures are, it is citizens who vote, and each one of them has to be persuaded,” he added.

Uzodimma, who is the secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council and chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, also warned party members against violence and unlawful conduct during the electioneering period.

“Our strength in numbers also places a greater obligation on us to campaign peacefully and within the law, because the conduct of the governing party sets the tone for the whole election,” he said.