In an interview on Signature TV, Chief Dr. Chekwas Okorie, prominent elder statesman and founding national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), expressed strong skepticism about the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party’s ability to secure meaningful support in the Southeast region, dismissing claims made by politicians regarding the party’s prospects there.

Okorie was dismissive of political rhetoric suggesting APC could make significant inroads in the region. “Forget whatever boast any politician is making in the southeast. It will be nearly non-existent,” he stated firmly, casting doubt on any optimistic projections about the party’s electoral chances among Southeast voters.

The elder statesman framed the challenge facing APC as fundamentally difficult, if not insurmountable, given current political and economic realities. “The most difficult thing any politician will have to do is convince southeast people to vote APC,” Okorie asserted, suggesting that persuading this electorate would require overcoming substantial skepticism and dissatisfaction

He posed a pointed rhetorical question, challenging the party to articulate a compelling case for continued support given existing conditions. “What are you going to tell them that would make them go to the polls and believe their present condition should be extended for another four years?” Okorie questioned, implying that current governance outcomes have failed to generate the kind of confidence needed to secure electoral support from Southeast voters.

This assessment from Okorie adds to ongoing debates about regional political dynamics in Nigeria, particularly regarding the Southeast’s relationship with the ruling party and questions about whether recent political developments and alliances will translate into genuine electoral support in future elections, despite various political figures’ claims about the region’s potential shift toward the APC.