Uzodimma vs Wike? Imo governor rejects Rainbow Coalition, threatens to take back vehicles from APC members who work against the party
Political tension appears to be brewing in Imo State as Governor Hope Uzodimma sends a strong warning to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that there is no room for a Rainbow Coalition in the state.
In remarks attributed to the governor, Uzodimma warned APC members against working outside the party's political structure, insisting that loyalty to the APC must remain their priority.
The governor reportedly went further by threatening to withdraw vehicles donated by Niger Delta leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, from beneficiaries found supporting political arrangements outside the APC.
"No Rainbow Coalition in Imo State. If I see you work outside the APC party, I'll take the vehicles from you," Uzodimma was quoted as saying.
The governor also expressed appreciation to Tompolo for his generosity and pledged his support whenever the Niger Delta leader needed assistance in Imo State.
"I am very grateful to High Chief Tompolo. Anytime you need us in Imo State, let us know and we'll be there for you," he reportedly added.
Is Uzodimma drawing a political battle line against Wike?
The governor's reported declaration has raised questions about the political influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose name has become associated with cross-party political alliances.
Wike, although a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), serves in President Bola Tinubu's APC-led administration and has maintained political relationships across party lines. His political approach has often involved cooperation between politicians belonging to different parties, particularly in Rivers State.
However, Uzodimma's reported warning suggests that he is unwilling to accommodate a similar arrangement within the Imo APC.
Although the remarks could be interpreted as a message to Wike's political allies, they do not, on their own, establish that the two politicians are in a direct confrontation.
Questions over Tompolo's donated vehicles
Another interesting aspect of the governor's reported statement is his warning about withdrawing vehicles donated by Tompolo.
The remarks raise questions about whether the vehicles were intended as unconditional gifts or whether their continued use is tied to political loyalty. It also remains unclear what authority would govern the withdrawal of the vehicles from beneficiaries.
What does this mean for Imo politics?
With political calculations already taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, Uzodimma's reported position could signal an attempt to strengthen party discipline and prevent competing political alliances from gaining influence within the state.
For now, the bigger question is whether the governor's declaration is simply an internal warning to APC members or the beginning of a wider struggle over political influence.
One thing is certain: if these remarks are accurately reported, Governor Hope Uzodimma has made his position clear. He expects APC members in Imo State to remain loyal to the party.
But should vehicles donated to politicians be withdrawn simply because the beneficiaries choose to support a different political alliance? And could this be the beginning of a political disagreement between Uzodimma and Wike ahead of 2027?
