2027: ‘Hate for Buhari can’t be compared to that for Tinubu in Imo, Southeast’ – Okorocha

Former Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha has taken to the airwaves to argue that the animosity once directed at the late President Muhammadu Buhari cannot be measured against the current sentiment towards President Bola Tinubu in the Southeast. Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today”, the ex‑senator framed his comments within the broader dynamics of party politics, regional loyalties and the personal relationships that, he says, underlie the political landscape of Nigeria today.

Okorocha’s Core Argument: A Distinctive Hate Landscape

Okorocha opened his interview by insisting that the “hate for Buhari” that characterised the years of his administration in Imo and the wider Southeast stands apart from the “imagery hate” now aimed at President Tinubu. He emphasized that the two forms of discontent arise from different historical moments, noting that the grievances against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo were most pronounced when Buhari held the nation’s highest office. By drawing this line, Okorocha seeks to separate the legacy of the former military‑born president from the political challenges facing the current administration.

He warned listeners against conflating a “transferred hate” or “transferred protest” with a genuine opposition to Tinubu himself. In his view, the current outcry is more about political realignment than a direct indictment of the president’s actions, a nuance he believes is essential for Imo’s electorate to grasp as the state heads toward the 2027 electoral cycle.

Personal Ties as Political Capital

One of the most striking points Okorocha raised was the personal rapport Tinubu enjoys with Igbo individuals in Lagos. He recounted that the president’s “best friends in Lagos are Igbos,” suggesting that Tinubu’s personal relationships transcend ethnic fault lines. By foregrounding these friendships, Okorocha attempts to humanise the president and counter narratives that paint him as indifferent to the concerns of the Southeast.

This emphasis on personal connections reflects a broader pattern in Nigerian politics where interpersonal networks often shape public perception. Okorocha’s assertion that Tinubu “has done no wrong to any Igbo man” seeks to reposition the president not as an outsider but as a figure who has, at least on a personal level, respected the interests of Igbo citizens.

The Political Stakes for Imo in 2027

Okorocha’s comments are not merely retrospective; they are forward‑looking. He linked his own political emergence on the current ticket to the prospect of Tinubu’s victory in Imo State. By stating “with my emergence now with this ticket, Tinubu will win in Imo State,” he signals a strategic alignment with the president’s agenda, positioning himself as a conduit for APC’s success in the region.

This declaration underscores the high stakes of the upcoming 2027 elections, where Imo’s voting patterns could serve as a bellwether for the APC’s foothold in the Southeast. Okorocha’s confidence reflects an attempt to rally the party base while also persuading skeptics that the president’s policies will not harm Igbo interests.

Challenging the Opposition: The Uzodinma Appeal

In a pointed challenge, Okorocha urged Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma to “go to appeal,” suggesting that any legal manoeuvres by the opposition lack merit. He argued that “when the facts have spoken you can’t manipulate the law,” implying that the political narrative is already settled in favour of the APC and Tinubu.

This rhetorical move serves a dual purpose: it casts the opposition’s legal strategies as desperate, and it reinforces the perception that the political tide is already turning in favour of Tinubu’s camp. By framing the legal arena as a stage where “facts” dominate, Okorocha seeks to delegitimize any judicial challenges to the party’s ascendancy.

Regional Sentiments: From Buhari to Tinubu

The shift in sentiment that Okorocha describes mirrors a broader transformation across the Southeast. While Buhari’s tenure was marked by a palpable “hate” that stemmed from policy disagreements and perceived marginalisation, the current discontent towards Tinubu appears to be more about political symbolism than substantive grievances.

Okorocha’s articulation of this shift suggests that the Southeast’s political mood is fluid, responsive to both the actions of the federal government and the narratives constructed by regional leaders. By differentiating the two forms of animosity, he attempts to reshape the discourse around Tinubu’s presidency, presenting it as a less hostile, more collaborative phase.

The Role of Media in Shaping Perception

Channels Television’s platform provided Okorocha with a national audience, underscoring the media’s role in framing political debates. His statements, delivered in a measured tone, aim to influence public opinion by presenting a narrative that aligns personal relationships with political outcomes.

In the Nigerian media landscape, where talk shows often blend analysis with advocacy, Okorocha’s appearance illustrates how political figures leverage broadcast spaces to cement their positions. By articulating his points on “Politics Today,” he not only addresses his constituents but also reaches a broader audience that includes policymakers and party operatives across the country.

Implications for the APC and the Southeast’s Future

Okorocha’s remarks, while rooted in personal conviction, carry weight for the APC’s strategic calculations. By asserting that the president “has done no wrong to any Igbo man” and that “Tinubu will win in Imo State,” he offers a narrative that the party can rally around as it seeks to expand its influence in a region historically dominated by rival parties.

Should the APC manage to translate this narrative into electoral success, it could signal a re‑configuration of political allegiances in the Southeast, potentially reshaping the balance of power in future national elections. Conversely, if the opposition successfully reframes the “hate” narrative, the contest could intensify, making the 2027 elections a pivotal moment for both parties and for the region’s role in Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: Daily Post Nigeria; dailypost.ng; Global1.News (30 October 2026).

By Sarah Okafor, Staff Writer