The South-East chapter of the All Progressives Congress has dismissed allegations linking Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to the diversion of ₦800 billion in alleged campaign funds, describing the claims as false, politically driven, and lacking any factual basis.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the party’s National Vice-Chairman for the South-East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, the APC insisted that Governor Uzodimma remains focused on governance, development, and improving the welfare of residents in Imo State.

The party said the allegation was part of a broader political smear campaign allegedly targeting the governor following reports of his interest in contesting the Imo East senatorial seat in 2027.

According to the statement, there has been an ongoing attempt by political opponents to distract Uzodimma through unfounded accusations, particularly since his political ambitions became public.

“Governor Uzodimma remains unwavering in his commitment to delivering good governance, sustainable development, and improved welfare for the people of Imo, and will not be distracted by such baseless accusations,” the party stated.

The APC also argued that the timing of the allegations suggests a coordinated effort to undermine the governor’s reputation, stressing that every Nigerian has the right to express opinions but not to engage in character assassination.

Uzodimma was recently accused in some quarters of diverting ₦800 billion allegedly contributed by members of the Progressive Governors Forum for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

However, the APC South-East rejected the claim outright, describing it as “factually incorrect and logically impossible,” adding that no official presidential campaign fundraising process has commenced.

The party noted that, by law, political campaigns are not yet in motion, making it impossible for any such funds to be raised or diverted at this stage.

It further explained that the Progressive Governors Forum is not a campaign body and therefore cannot function as a channel for managing election-related finances.

Reacting specifically to the ₦800 billion figure, the party questioned its credibility, arguing that it would imply an unrealistic contribution of about ₦26 billion per APC governor across the country.

“This figure is not only unrealistic but laughable,” the statement read. “No governor would commit such a colossal sum while still managing state responsibilities and other political commitments.”

The APC maintained that Governor Uzodimma has maintained a record of transparency and accountability in public service and has not been linked to any proven financial misconduct.

It urged opposition figures to focus on constructive political engagement and issue-based campaigns rather than what it described as fabricated allegations aimed at misleading the public.

“Nigerians are sophisticated enough to distinguish between genuine governance discussions and political fiction,” the party added.