Buhari and Oshiomhole fall out over what to do with Rochas Okorocha in Imo State

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman Adams Oshiomhole appear to have fallen out over the forthcoming elections with the president allowing members to vote for who they please but Mr Oshiomhole insisting that only party members should be supported.

Speaking in Owerri yesterday during a campaign rally, President Buhari , urged party members to vote for any candidate of their choice, irrespective of intra or inter party affairs. He spoke amid the lingering crisis rocking the Imo State chapter of the APC over the emergence of its governorship candidate.

Governor Rochas Okorocha is supporting his son-in-law and former chief of staff Uche Nwosu, while party chairman Mr Oshiomhole backs Senator Hope Uzodinma, who emerged as the APC candidate under controversial circumstances. Mr Nwosu has since picked up the governorship ticket of the Action Alliance (AA), with the state chapter of the APC polarised on who to vote for.

In his speech at the Dan Anyiam Stadium during his campaign rally, President Buhari countered Mr Oshiomhole who has mandated APC members to vote for Senator Uzodinma. President Buhari said: “You can vote for whosoever you want, do not allow intra or inter party affairs stop you from voting for the candidate of your choice."

However, Mr Oshiomhole had boasted that the APC does not need the support of the AA to deliver Imo State for President Buhari. In a clear swipe at Governor Okorocha, Mr Oshiomhole also said that the party faithful should not let anyone deceive of mislead them.

He added: “Let me make it clear that the APC is not in alliance with any party, we have the power to deliver the president. You should vote for Uzodinma as our governorship candidate and don’t be deceived by anybody.”