Ideato Leaders Reject Okorocha, Back Uzodinma for Senate

On November 1, 2026, political leaders and stakeholders from the Ideato nation in Imo State held a press conference at the APC state party office in Owerri, where they disowned former Governor Rochas Okorocha and reaffirmed their loyalty to Governor Hope Uzodinma. This declaration countered Okorocha's claims of support from APC members in the Ideato Federal Constituency regarding his political ambitions.

The statement was read by Sir Ikechukwu Umeh, PhD, the former APC State Organizing Secretary and National Ex-Officio (Southeast). The political dispute follows a ruling by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on October 29, 2026, which favored Okorocha over the APC Imo West Senatorial primary election held on May 18, 2026.

The Ideato leaders criticized Okorocha's claims of grassroots support, citing his lack of visits to the area in three years and the absence of meaningful development during his tenure. They expressed their support for Uzodinma based on his administration's infrastructure and educational achievements, including significant road constructions and the establishment of a state-owned university.