A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of fearing a proposed opposition alliance in Imo State, arguing that cooperation between the PDP and the emerging rainbow coalition could threaten the ruling party’s hold on power ahead of the 2027 elections.
Anyanwu made the claim in response to Governor Hope Uzodimma’s rejection of the proposed coalition, which the governor said had no place in the state’s political landscape.
On Tuesday, Uzodimma warned APC members against collaborating with political coalitions outside the ruling party during the inauguration of the Imo chapter of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, a group mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“There is no rainbow coalition in Imo State,” the governor said, cautioning members of the movement against working with groups outside the APC.
However, Anyanwu, in a statement issued by his media adviser, Ikenna Onuoha, described the governor’s remarks as a sign of concern within the ruling party over the possibility of a united opposition.
“The APC in Imo State and its leaders are afraid of PDP and the Rainbow Coalition,” Anyanwu said.
He argued that collaboration between the PDP and other opposition groups could provide residents with an alternative to the APC-led administration.
The PDP chieftain further suggested that the ruling party’s rejection of the coalition reflected concerns about its political prospects if opposition parties were to work together.
Anyanwu Criticises Uzodimma’s Administration
Beyond the coalition dispute, Anyanwu criticised Uzodimma’s administration over what he described as poor performance in infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic development.
He urged the state government to prioritise the rehabilitation of rural roads, improve hospital facilities, expand economic opportunities and raise educational standards.
Anyanwu also called on the government to resolve the reported three-month strike involving lecturers at Imo State University (IMSU).
He urged the authorities to engage the academic staff and address the issues behind the industrial dispute, warning that prolonged disruptions could affect students and the wider education sector.
The PDP chieftain accused the administration of failing to address residents’ concerns, arguing that government promises had not translated into sufficient improvements in their living conditions.
“Imo people are weary of the 3R government and their tricks,” he said.
Anyanwu also accused the APC-led government of worsening economic hardship in the state and called on its leaders to acknowledge the concerns of residents.
He maintained that the PDP and the rainbow coalition could provide a political alternative, urging the ruling party to recognise the potential consequences of a more coordinated opposition.
Political Rivalry Builds Ahead of 2027
The exchange highlights the emerging contest over opposition cooperation in Imo State as political actors position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While Uzodimma has publicly dismissed the prospect of a rainbow coalition in the state, Anyanwu has argued that an alliance involving the PDP and other opposition groups could challenge the APC’s dominance.
Anyanwu was the PDP’s candidate in the November 11, 2023 governorship election, which Uzodimma won by a wide margin.
According to figures published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Uzodimma secured 540,308 votes, while Anyanwu received 71,503 votes.
Whether the proposed opposition alliance will take shape and translate into a coordinated electoral challenge remains uncertain. However, the public disagreement suggests that coalition-building and the strength of the opposition could become significant issues in Imo State’s political contest ahead of 2027.
