Former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, has firmly denied speculation that he intends to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing such claims as baseless fabrications orchestrated by political detractors, Okay.ng reports.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo, Okorocha debunked a viral quote circulating on social media that portrayed him as criticizing the ruling party, allegedly describing the APC as “a party desperate to hijack power at all costs.”
“For days now, they have circulated a fake story on social media, falsely quoting me as saying: ‘APC is no longer a political party but a party desperate to hijack power at all costs. I am at the corner looking at them — Senator Rochas Okorocha,’” the statement read.
Okorocha, who played a critical role in the formation of the APC, questioned the logic behind the fabricated quote.
“Okorocha would never describe a party that has been in government since 2015, and still counting, as ‘desperate to hijack power.’ What power again?” he asked.
The former governor emphasized his deep-rooted history with the party, reminding Nigerians that he was the only sitting South-East governor who joined the APC during its infancy in 2013—taking a significant political risk ahead of the 2015 general elections.
“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 continued.
According to Onwuemeodo, Okorocha’s loyalty and leadership earned him the pioneer Chairmanship of the Progressive Governors Forum, a body of APC governors that he helped to shape into a political powerhouse.
He also stressed that if Okorocha had any concerns about the party’s direction or operations, he would express them publicly and responsibly.
“It’s important to recall that, due to his dedication, he was unanimously elected by fellow APC governors as the pioneer Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,” the statement noted.
“Okorocha remains a bonafide, committed member of the APC. He never made the statement being circulated by those envious of his political journey,” it concluded.
