NIGERIA: Okorocha Fires Back At Political ‘Phobia Merchants,’ Reaffirms Loyalty to APC

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Former Governor of Imo State and founding chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Rochas Okorocha, has lashed out at what he described as “phantom political forces gripped by phobia,” noting that he remains a loyal and committed member of the ruling party.

In a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday by his media adviser, Sam Onwuemeodo, the former Imo West lawmaker described recent viral claims quoting him as denouncing the APC as not only fake but deliberately orchestrated by individuals haunted by his continued political relevance.

“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.

The fabricated quote, which had been making the rounds on social media, attributed to Okorocha a stinging critique of the APC’s alleged desperation.

However, the former governor said he finds the quote laughable and illogical, especially since the APC is already the ruling party.

“What power again? APC has been in government since 2015 and still counting,” Okorocha queried.

While distancing himself from any anti-party comment, Okorocha used the opportunity to remind critics of his pivotal role in the birth of the APC. According to him, he was the only sitting governor from the South-East who risked political capital by joining the APC during its infancy, at a time when the party was largely unpopular 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 emphasized.

He also recalled his election as the pioneer Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), underscoring his foundational role in shaping the APC into a nationwide political force.

Political observers say the sudden resurgence of such disinformation campaigns suggests Okorocha’s name still evokes unease in rival camps, particularly as internal realignments intensify within the party ahead of upcoming political contests.

Okorocha’s rebuttal may also be seen as a subtle reassertion of his relevance within a party he helped nurture but where his recent role has seemed uncertain amid shifting alliances and rising intra-party tensions.

Despite past internal frictions, including a turbulent senatorial bid and party disputes in Imo State, Okorocha appears to be signaling that he’s not backing away from the APC, or the national political stage.

“Okorocha remains a bonafide, committed member of the APC. He never made the statement being circulated by those envious of his political journey,” the statement concluded.