News reports that Arodiogbu, who also serves as the South-East Co-Zonal Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, made the clarification while responding to arguments questioning the governor’s eligibility.

He cited Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution, which states that “the Governor shall not, during the period when he holds office, hold any other executive office or paid employment in any capacity whatsoever.”

According to him, the provision only prohibits a sitting governor from occupying two offices simultaneously and does not prevent the person from seeking a party nomination, contesting or winning another election.

Arodiogbu also referenced Section 68(1)(f) of the Constitution, which requires a lawmaker to vacate his legislative seat upon assuming an executive position.

He argued that the provision recognises the possibility of moving between executive and legislative offices, provided the two positions are not held at the same time.

He said, “There is no constitutional impediment against Senator Hope Uzodinma’s aspiration. The Constitution does not require a sitting governor to resign merely because he desires to contest another election. What it forbids is dual occupancy of offices.

“Should he win the senatorial election, he would resign as Governor before taking the oath of office as a Senator. That is the clear position of the law.”

The APC chieftain further stated that appellate courts, in interpreting Sections 66, 107, 137, 182 and 183 of the Constitution, had held that resignation was only necessary when a candidate was about to assume a new office.

He added that no provision of the Electoral Act imposes a general restriction on a sitting governor seeking election into the Senate.

Arodiogbu also argued that Uzodimma’s tenure, which is expected to end in January 2028, does not constitute a legal obstacle, insisting that any transition would be carried out in accordance with the Constitution after the inauguration of the new National Assembly.

He said, “The law is clear, the Constitution is clear, and the judicial authorities support this position.

“Those peddling the contrary view are either deliberately misinterpreting the Constitution or attempting to create political distraction. Senator Hope Uzodinma remains free to pursue his legitimate political aspiration without any constitutional disability.”

He reaffirmed the APC’s support for Uzodimma as its candidate for the Imo West senatorial seat and urged party members to disregard what he described as speculative legal arguments.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja had, on October 29, ruled that former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, won the APC senatorial primary for the district.

The Imo State Government has indicated that it would appeal the judgment.

Shinkafi reportedly passed away on Wednesday in Kaduna State following a brief illness.

News reports that Governor Dauda Lawal announced the commissioner’s death in a statement issued through his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.

Reacting to the development, Lawal expressed sadness over the loss, describing Shinkafi’s death as an irreparable loss to the state government and the people of Zamfara.

The governor noted that the late commissioner’s contributions to governance, politics and public service would remain memorable.

He said, “With heavy hearts and in total submission to the will of Almighty Allah (T), we received the shocking news of the passing of the Commissioner for Commerce, Tasiu Musa Shinkafi.

“Tasiu’s death is a great loss not only to his family and the state government, but also to the people of Zamfara.

“He will be remembered for his dedication, honesty, and commitment to Zamfara State.

“He served diligently as Commissioner for Youth and Sport before being redeployed to the Ministry of Commerce.

“As a valued member of my administration and a brother in service, his contributions to governance, politics, and public service will be remembered.

“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and give his family the strength to bear this great loss.”